Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on Sunday to condemn President Aleksandar Vucic and his government over a series of street protests that have been challenging their tight grip on power. The rally, which was organized by students and farmers’ unions, comes as the country faces widespread discontent with Vucic’s rule.
The protests began weeks ago after a canopy collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad killed 15 people, and demonstrators are demanding accountability for the tragedy. Many believe that corruption and poor workmanship on the station’s construction contributed to the disaster.
President Vucic has resisted calls for reform, instead accusing his opponents of trying to seize power. “We will beat them again,” he said, referencing the students who have been at the forefront of the protests.
Prosecutors have arrested 13 people in connection with the collapse, including a government minister whose release sparked public skepticism about the investigation. The government has responded by extending school winter holidays and suspending classes at universities throughout the country.
The rallies are part of a broader movement that reflects Serbia’s growing discontent with Vucic’s leadership. The populist president has faced accusations of curbing democratic freedoms, despite formally stating his intention to take Serbia into the European Union.
Source: https://www.newser.com/story/361413/thousands-protest-vucics-reign-in-serbia.html