Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation on Tuesday following months of mass protests sparked by the deadly collapse of a train station roof in November.
The tragedy, which occurred in Novi Sad after extensive renovations, claimed 15 lives and has ignited widespread public outrage over corruption and alleged negligence in overseeing construction projects.
“I have made an irrevocable decision to step down as prime minister,” Vucevic declared during a press conference in Belgrade. “After a thorough discussion with the President of Serbia this morning, he accepted my reasoning. To prevent further complications and ease societal tensions, I have taken this step.”
Before becoming prime minister, Vucevic served as the mayor of Novi Sad from 2012 to 2022, coinciding with the renovation work at the station. He has been in office for less than a year.
Protests and Resignations
The incident has spurred continuous demonstrations across Serbia, with thousands of protesters demanding accountability. On Tuesday, demonstrators ended a 24-hour blockade of the Autokomanda intersection, a key traffic hub in Belgrade. Many had camped overnight as part of the protest.
Shortly after Vucevic’s resignation, Milan Djuric, the current mayor of Novi Sad, also announced his decision to step down. “Resigning is not a sign of weakness but an act of responsibility to restore public trust,” Djuric said in a social media statement.
More than a dozen individuals, including former Transport Minister Goran Vesic, who resigned shortly after the incident, face charges related to the collapse.
Demands Persist
Despite these high-profile resignations, student-led protests continue to gain momentum. Organizers have called for greater transparency in the investigation, the release of documents related to the station’s renovation, and the dismissal of charges against arrested demonstrators.
President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the nation on Monday, defending the government’s response to the tragedy and offering to engage in dialogue with protesters. However, many remain skeptical of the administration’s intentions.
“The prime minister’s resignation changes nothing,” said Maksim Jankovic, a 19-year-old biology student from Belgrade University. “Our demands are clear, and we will continue protesting regardless of who steps down.”
Criticism of Leadership
Political analysts argue that the resignations are unlikely to pacify the public. Dragan Popovic, a political analyst with the Centre for Practical Politics, noted that true power in Serbia lies with President Vucic, who has held significant influence over the government for more than a decade.
“This administration is composed of interchangeable loyalists,” Popovic said. “Ultimately, the real decisions rest with Aleksandar Vucic, who continues to bypass constitutional norms.”
The protests show no sign of abating as demonstrators demand meaningful change in governance and accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy.
