Massive protests erupt as Serbians rally against corruption and Vucic's rule

In Serbia, a significant anti-government rally took place on March 15, 2025, in Belgrade, demanding accountability and better governance from President Aleksandar Vucic. This gathering mobilized tens of thousands of protesters, marking a culmination of months-long protests that began after a tragic incident where 15 people lost their lives due to a roof collapse at a railway station. Critics held Vucic's administration responsible for corruption that contributed to the disaster. With the capital on high alert, public transport was canceled as a precaution to deter attendance at the rally. Protests had been particularly led by students, who rallied for systemic change in response to perceived governmental failures. Crowds carried banners expressing their discontent, with chants like "Pump it Up" resonating through the streets, illustrating the protestors' resolve and unity during the event. As tensions escalated, reports surfaced of violence, notably a car being driven into protesters, injuring three individuals, and police arresting the driver. Security measures included deploying hundreds of police officers around government buildings and enforcing strict crowd control measures. Amid these tensions, Vucic and his supporters camped out in central Belgrade, further exacerbating the atmosphere of division and unrest. Vucic, who has previously served as prime minister, faced accusations of obfuscating his government's accountability while alleging that foreign entities were inciting the protests against him. The demonstration on March 15 exemplified the growing discontent among the Serbian public and underscored the pressure on Vucic's administration as it continues to confront increasing calls for reform and allegations of corruption that have marred its reputation.