Serbians Protest Government Failure One Year After Deadly Novi Sad Station Collapse Kills 16

Tens of thousands gathered in Novi Sad to mourn 16 victims of the railway station canopy collapse one year on.

“Large crowds converge in Novi Sad to commemorate deadly accident that has led to frequent mass antigovernment protests”

Al Jazeera

They observed a 16‑minute silence at the exact time of the 2024 disaster, laid wreaths and candles, and released lanterns on the Danube.

Al Jazeera

The government declared a national day of mourning.

President Aleksandar Vučić called for peaceful remembrance amid a movement that has evolved into mass anti‑government protests demanding accountability.

Students and families led the commemorations, which blended grief with defiance over perceived corruption and negligence linked to the project.

The memorial marked the end of a year of student-led mobilization.

This movement has gained public trust by remaining independent from traditional political parties.

AP News

Students are now calling for early elections and systemic reforms.

Protesters marched long distances to Novi Sad despite significant obstacles.

Authorities restricted travel and even suspended trains between Belgrade and Novi Sad due to alleged bomb threats.

Students continue to press for accountability and have proposed a technocratic cabinet of independent experts.

Accountability remains the movement’s rallying cry.

“News Flash NOVI SAD, Serbia, Nov 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Tens of thousands of Serbians marked on Saturday the first anniversary of a deadly railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad, a tragedy that shocked the Balkan nation and triggered mass protests”

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

Authorities have charged 13 people, including a former construction minister, but no trials have begun and no one has been held responsible.

Anti-corruption and EU-backed probes continue as public skepticism persists that investigations will touch alleged high-level corruption.

Families are escalating tactics, with a grieving mother beginning a hunger strike.

Protesters denounce the disaster as a “crime and murder.”

President Vučić’s response has swung between repression and conciliation.

There has been a crackdown with hundreds detained and force used against rallies.

BBC

This has been paired with a rare apology and calls for dialogue.

He has dismissed or seen the resignation of senior officials.

At the same time, he has attacked protesters as western-backed.

He has sought support from Russia and China, framing the movement as foreign-influenced.

Meanwhile, demonstrators demand early elections and democratic reforms.

Internationally, the EU views the protests as a demand for accountability and democracy linked to Serbia’s bid to join the union.

“Tens of thousands of people from all over Serbia have gathered in the town of Novi Sad to commemorate the victims of a railway station disaster a year ago”

Bracknell News

Reports describe the movement as mostly peaceful but facing heavy policing and some claims of harsh treatment.

Bracknell News

An EU-supported investigation and anticorruption efforts are ongoing.

Symbols like lanterns, large marches, and continuous youth leadership maintain pressure on the authorities.

The public anger driving the protests shows no signs of diminishing.