Protests escalate: Serbia in turmoil after train station collapse!

Protests escalate: Serbia in turmoil after train station collapse!

Violent clashes are breaking out again in Serbia as part of the ongoing protests against the government of President Aleksandar Vučić. The latest police operation was triggered when unknown people threw objects at officers in front of the Faculty of Arts in Novi Sad. This faculty has been at the center of the protest movements for a week and a half, which represent one of the largest and longest-lasting since the collapse of Yugoslavia. The trigger for the protests was the tragic collapse of a newly renovated train station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, in which 16 people died. Independent experts and opposition members blame the Vucic government for the disaster, which they blame on sloppiness and corruption.

The protests, which began almost ten months ago, are often initiated by students who have occupied almost all of the country's universities. They are calling for early elections, which is increasing the pressure on Vučić and his government. Since then, demonstrations have taken place almost every day in Serbia, often accompanied by traffic blockades.

Violent clashes

The protests were largely peaceful until the summer, but recently there have been violent clashes. In particular, on September 1, 2025, many citizens in Novi Sad gathered for a 16-minute moment of silence for the victims of the train station collapse. However, this event turned into clashes when the dean of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Patrik Drid, entered the building with police protection. Students criticized the police presence as legally unfounded and reported violent incidents, including the faculty's windows being broken.

On the morning of September 6, 2025, violent clashes broke out between civilians and the police in Novi Sad starting at 9:00 a.m. The university building had previously been cordoned off by officers in riot gear. Protests have reportedly increased again during the university's exam period, indicating an energizing mood among students.

Political reactions and future of the protests

President Vučić, who has called the protesters “terrorists,” rejected accusations that he was acting like a dictator. After the recent protests, he said he had recognized the message of the demonstrators, but stressed that change was only possible through elections. While he wants to end his presidency in a year, he still rejects early elections.

The protests are not just a response to the train station collapse, but also reflect broader dissatisfaction with the government. There are also fears, according to experts, that the government could try to create violent situations, while the state media reports on an alleged “coup” by the students. Government supporters, including ultra-nationalists, were also present at the protests, which could further increase tensions.

A memorial march for the train station victims will be organized in Belgrade on Monday evening, which could potentially lead to further clashes. The Archbishop of Belgrade, Ladislav Nemet, has supported the protesters and is calling for the demonstrations to be peaceful. The situation in Serbia remains tense and the protests demonstrate the deep social fissures that exist in the country.

For more information on the protests in Serbia, you can read the reports from Small newspaper, courier and ZDF be consulted.