Serbian Protesters Call for Justice and Reform on New Year’s Eve

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Rather than celebrating with the usual New Year’s Eve festivities, tens of thousands of people in Serbia took to the streets in peaceful protest, led by university students, to demand political reform and accountability. The demonstrations spread across Belgrade and other cities, signaling widespread frustration in the Balkan nation.

The Tragedy That Sparked a Movement

The protests were ignited by a catastrophic event on November 1, when a concrete canopy at Novi Sad’s central train station collapsed, claiming 15 lives. The incident has been linked to corruption and substandard construction practices, which many attribute to failures of Serbia’s populist government.

Organized by University Students

Belgrade university students spearheaded the protests, rallying citizens under the slogan “There is No New Year — You Are Responsible.” Their efforts reflect a growing demand for transparency and justice.

Highlighting Corruption and Negligence

The train station collapse has become a symbol of systemic corruption and poor governance in Serbia. Protesters argue that unchecked corruption and negligence in public infrastructure projects have put lives at risk and eroded public trust.

A Peaceful Demonstration for Change

The protests, though massive in scale, remained peaceful. Demonstrators carried signs, lit candles in memory of the victims, and observed moments of silence. These symbolic actions underscored the solemnity of their demands for justice.

Key Demands of the Protesters

The protesters are calling for:

• Thorough investigations into the Novi Sad tragedy.

• Transparent government practices, particularly in infrastructure projects.

• Concrete measures to combat corruption and enforce accountability.

A New Year, A New Hope for Reform

This New Year’s Eve was marked not by fireworks and celebrations, but by a collective call for change. Citizens from all walks of life united to demand a safer and more transparent future for Serbia. While the road to reform may be challenging, the protests have sent a strong message: the people of Serbia are determined to hold their leaders accountable and create a better tomorrow.