A tragic construction collapse in Serbia that claimed 15 lives has sparked widespread protests and led to a major political shake-up. The incident has become a catalyst for broader public dissatisfaction with government leadership and allegations of systemic corruption.
Prime minister’s resignation amid mounting pressure
Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation on Tuesday, following weeks of intense demonstrations over a deadly concrete canopy collapse in Novi Sad. The resignation comes as student protesters and citizens have maintained persistent pressure through coordinated demonstrations and traffic blockades.
“It is my appeal for everyone to calm down the passions and return to dialogue,” Vucevic stated during his resignation announcement. He cited a recent attack on a female student in Novi Sad as the immediate trigger for his decision, noting that “whenever it seems there is hope to return to social dialogue, to talk … it’s like an invisible hand creates a new incident and tensions mount again.”
Investigation and public response
The November 1st collapse at Novi Sad’s main railway station, which was twice renovated recently as part of a Chinese infrastructure project, has resulted in criminal charges against 13 individuals, including government officials. However, the release of former Construction Minister Goran Vesic from detention has raised questions about the investigation’s independence.
Students have led the response to the tragedy with daily 15-minute traffic blockades at 11:52 a.m. – the exact time of the collapse – commemorating each of the 15 victims, including two children. The protests reached a new level on Monday when thousands joined university students in a 24-hour blockade of a major Belgrade intersection.
Political implications
The incident has intensified scrutiny of President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, which faces accusations of limiting democratic freedoms while pursuing European Union membership. The prime minister’s resignation, along with that of Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric, may trigger an early parliamentary election if a new government isn’t formed within 30 days.
Several violent incidents have occurred during the protests, including two instances where drivers drove into crowds, resulting in injuries to two young women. In response to growing tensions, senior officials including President Vucic, the resigning Prime Minister Vucevic, and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic have called for dialogue with the student protesters, who have gained broad public support for their demands for accountability.
