Serbia's Biggest Ever Protest: People Demand Change

Serbia witnessed a historic event on a recent Saturday when an enormous crowd gathered in the capital to voice their frustration. The reason? A tragic incident at a railway station in Novi Sad last November, which claimed 15 lives. The government's official count put the number of protesters at 107, 000, but independent observers estimated the crowd to be around 325, 000, making it the largest protest in Serbia's history. The public's anger is directed at the government and President Aleksandar Vucic. Many believe that corruption and negligence led to the disaster, and that the recent renovation of the station was mishandled. The protests have been ongoing despite multiple resignations and Vucic's insistence on staying in power. The people are fed up with a system that seems to prioritize political gain over public safety. The protests started with students but have since grown to include a diverse range of people, from taxi drivers to farmers and lawyers. Republic Square, one of the four meeting points, was packed. People stood on the plinth of Prince Mihajlo's statue, a popular meeting spot in Belgrade. Others queued along the road in front of the National Museum, stretching all the way back to Students' Square. The atmosphere was tense, with motorbike riders and military veterans joining the protests, facing off against pro-government counter-protesters. The Public Meeting Archive estimated attendance at 275, 000-325, 000, with the possibility of even higher numbers. The sheer size and dynamic nature of the protest made it difficult to get an exact count. Serbian media reported 22 arrests and 56 injuries. The protests are a clear message from the people: they want a government that prioritizes their safety and well-being, not just political gain. The disaster at Novi Sad station has become a symbol of the public's frustration with the government. It's a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption and negligence. The protests are a call for change, a demand for a government that works for the people, not against them.