In Serbia, approximately 29,000 people gathered in Belgrade yesterday to protest against the government, marking one of the largest demonstrations in recent years. The protests come after seven weeks of sporadic nationwide demonstrations following a tragic train station roof collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15 people.
Demonstrators attribute the collapse to widespread corruption and substandard workmanship, alleging negligence in the refurbishment of the railway station, which was renovated twice in recent years by Chinese state companies.
The rally, held at Slavija Square, is seen as a significant challenge to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s leadership. In an apparent response to growing public anger, the government has extended school winter holidays, starting them nearly a week earlier, and announced various subsidies aimed at young people.
