Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević resigned on Tuesday following months of mass protests sparked by the fatal collapse of a train station roof in November.
The disaster at the Novi Sad train station, which claimed 15 lives after extensive renovations, has fueled widespread anger over corruption and alleged negligence in construction oversight. The protests, which have drawn thousands, have become a platform for broader dissatisfaction with the government.
“My decision to resign is irrevocable,” Vučević announced at a press conference in Belgrade. “After discussions with President Aleksandar Vučić, I concluded that stepping down is necessary to prevent further tensions and division in society.”
Vučević, who served as Novi Sad’s mayor from 2012 to 2022 when the renovations began, had been prime minister for less than a year.
More than a dozen individuals, including former Transport Minister Goran Vesić, have been charged in connection with the collapse. Vesić resigned shortly after the incident. Following Vučević’s announcement, Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić also stepped down, calling his resignation “an act of responsibility to restore public trust.”
Protests and Student-Led Movement
The prime minister’s resignation coincided with the end of a 24-hour blockade at a major traffic intersection in Belgrade. Thousands of protesters, led by student organizers, have been blockading campuses and staging rallies for months.
The movement has demanded greater transparency in the investigation, the release of renovation documents, and increased government accountability. They have also called for dropping charges against arrested protesters and halting attacks on demonstrators.
President Vučić has defended his government’s response to the tragedy, pledging dialogue with protesters while accusing some of being influenced by foreign powers. However, many demands remain unmet.
Student leader Maksim Janković dismissed Vučević’s resignation as insufficient, saying, “The prime minister’s resignation means nothing. Our demands are clear, and we will continue protesting regardless of who steps down.”
Analysis: A Power Behind the Scenes
Despite Vučević’s departure, analysts believe the protests are unlikely to subside. Dragan Popović of the Centre for Practical Politics argues the government operates under President Vučić’s centralized authority.
“This resignation won’t resolve anything,” Popović said. “Real decisions in Serbia are made by Vučić, who holds ultimate control, often outside constitutional limits.”
The protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with the Serbian leadership, underscoring growing calls for systemic change.
