Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević has tendered his resignation following weeks of mass protests ignited by a fatal accident at the Novi Sad railway station. The tragedy, which occurred on 1 November, resulted in 15 fatalities and has been attributed to alleged government corruption linked to the station’s renovation.
The incident has galvanized public outrage, leading to nationwide demonstrations spearheaded by students, educators, and various civil society groups. Protesters have occupied universities and organized a general strike that saw tens of thousands participate, with farmers joining by blocking major thoroughfares in the capital. The collective demand has been for greater government accountability and transparency.
In a statement, Vučević, who previously served as the mayor of Novi Sad during the station’s reconstruction, announced his resignation alongside current Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić. He emphasized that their decision was made to assume political responsibility for the incident and to address the protesters’ calls for accountability.
President Aleksandar Vučić has responded to the escalating unrest by proposing significant governmental changes, including replacing half of the cabinet and offering amnesty to arrested students, in an effort to defuse tensions. Despite these concessions, the protests have continued unabated, reflecting deep-seated public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
This wave of protests represents one of the most substantial challenges to President Vučić’s tenure since he assumed office in 2017, underscoring the Serbian populace’s growing demand for systemic reforms and an end to alleged corruption.
