Over 100,000 people gathered in the streets of Belgrade, Serbia for a major anti-corruption rally on Saturday, which was seen as a culmination of months-long protests against President Aleksandar Vučić and his government. The protests began four months ago after a tragic incident in which a concrete awning collapsed at a train station in the north of Serbia, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. Many Serbians blamed the incident on government corruption and negligence, sparking widespread outrage and demands for accountability. The rally, dubbed “15 for 15” in honor of the victims, saw massive crowds of flag-waving protesters despite rainy weather, with police estimating the crowd at 107,000 people.
The protest was largely peaceful, with no major incidents reported, although protesters accused Vučić supporters of inciting violence and provoking clashes during the rally. President Vučić acknowledged the arrests of 22 individuals for inciting violence and vandalism during the protest, while also recognizing the will of the people and the demands for change. He stated that the government must understand and respond to the message of the protesters, indicating that the citizens of Serbia are calling for a change in the government in upcoming elections. Vučić also emphasized the need for self-reflection and change within the government in response to the protests.
The large-scale demonstration in Belgrade marked a significant challenge for President Vučić, who has been in power for over a decade. The protest served as a platform for Serbians to voice their discontent with the current government and demand accountability for the tragic incident that sparked the protests. The rally was attended by thousands of individuals who were determined to make their voices heard despite attempts by Vučić supporters to disrupt the event. Many participants expressed frustration with the government’s perceived corruption, negligence, and disregard for construction safety regulations, and called for those responsible for the tragedy to be held accountable.
The rally in Belgrade highlighted the deep-seated grievances among many Serbians regarding government corruption, accountability, and transparency. The massive turnout at the protest, which was described as the largest ever in the country by independent Serbian media, underscored the widespread discontent and desire for change within the population. The peaceful nature of the demonstration reflected the determination of the protesters to convey their message and demands in a non-violent manner, despite efforts by Vučić supporters to incite clashes and disrupt the event. Overall, the rally served as a powerful display of public dissent and a call for accountability and change within the Serbian government.
President Vučić’s response to the rally, including the arrests made in connection with the protest and his acknowledgment of the need for government reform, indicated a willingness to engage with the demands of the protesters. His recognition of the message conveyed by the massive turnout at the rally and the call for change in the government suggested a potential shift in approach by the administration. The aftermath of the protest raised questions about the future direction of Serbian politics and the extent to which the government will address the grievances and demands of the protesters. The impact of the rally on the upcoming elections and the broader political landscape in Serbia remains to be seen, as the country grapples with the aftermath of the largest anti-corruption rally in its history.
