President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia is facing his biggest political crisis in over a decade as nationwide protests continue to challenge his authoritarian rule. Despite a strong economy that has grown four times the European average, Mr. Vucic is struggling to address growing discontent among students and ordinary citizens who feel he has ignored corruption and poor governance.
The protests began after a fatal train accident at the Novi Sad railway station, which many believe was caused by shoddy construction work. The government’s initial denial of responsibility and slow response to the disaster have fueled public outrage, with protesters demanding accountability from those in power.
Mr. Vucic’s administration has released thousands of documents related to the renovation project, more than a dozen people have been charged, and the prime minister who backed him has resigned. However, many believe this is too little, too late, and that Mr. Vucic’s grip on power remains tight despite the growing unrest.
The protests reflect deeper issues with corruption, poor governance, and a lack of trust in institutions, which are fueled by the government’s close ties to powerful external interests. As one protester said, “We just want prosecutors and the courts to do their job.”
Despite the government’s efforts to maintain control over the media landscape, many citizens have taken to social media and other platforms to express their discontent. The protests have sparked heated debates about the future of Serbia and whether Mr. Vucic will be able to adapt to the changing demands of a rapidly modernizing country.
As one pollster noted, “Serbia was always polarized, but now this is far more extreme.” With no clear end in sight to the protests, it remains to be seen how long Mr. Vucic can maintain his dominance over Serbia’s politics.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/world/europe/serbia-protests-economy-vucic.html