Thousands rally in Serbia's capital demanding snap elections after
months of protests
[May 31, 2025]
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Thousands of people rallied on Friday in
Serbia's capital demanding early elections following seven months of
persistent anti-corruption protests that have shaken the populist rule
of President Aleksandar Vucic.
The protest in Belgrade was organized by Serbia's university students,
who have been a key force behind the nationwide demonstrations triggered
by a collapse on Nov. 1 of a concrete train station canopy in the
country's north that killed 16 people. |
University students and people march during a protest, seven months
after the deadly train station tragedy that sparked mass demonstrations
against corruption in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko
Vojinovic) |
|
Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly crash was the
result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and
they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major
infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies.
Protesting university students have been demanding
accountability for the crash and the rule of law in Serbia, a
Balkan nation that is formally seeking European Union entry but
where the ruling populists have been accused of clamping down on
democratic freedoms.
After months-long protests drawing hundreds of thousands of
people, the student movement is now seeking a snap vote, arguing
that the current government cannot meet their demands for
justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary
elections are otherwise due some time in 2027.
Vucic, whom critics accuse of an increasingly authoritarian rule
despite the proclaimed EU bid, initially dismissed early
elections but on Friday suggested they may be held, though
without saying exactly when.
No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in the
northern city of Novi Sad. Authorities have indicted over a
dozen people but doubts prevail that the proceedings will
uncover the alleged corruption behind the crash.
A huge, noisy column of protesters in Belgrade marched by the
state prosecutor's offices before reaching the government
building. They carried a big banner urging elections.
Maja Rancic said she was hopeful the protests can bring about
changes: ”I really hope and wish, and I think it will happen.”
Vucic's government has stepped up pressure on the protesting
students and Serbia's universities, claiming without proof that
they were instructed by foreign powers to stage a revolution in
the country.
Students are planning more protests all over the country this
weekend.
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