Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a major pre-election rally on Friday in Novi Sad, the northern city where 16 people died in a train station accident nearly two years ago. The collapse of a concrete canopy in late 2024 triggered widespread protests across Serbia, particularly led by students demanding accountability for what many viewed as the result of shoddy construction and corruption.

Thousands of Vucic’s supporters gathered in a central square in Novi Sad, with many attendees transported from other parts of the country. This event marked Vucic’s first large rally in the city since the start of the protests, which began shortly after the tragedy in November 2024. The demonstrations, often near daily and primarily driven by youth groups, grew into a significant political challenge, ultimately precipitating the collapse of the government at that time.

Vucic’s appearance in Novi Sad was interpreted by analysts as a display of strength and confidence ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25. In his speech, he asserted that his party would secure victory, while also alleging—without providing evidence—that the student protests had been orchestrated and financed by unspecified foreign actors.

The train station accident remains a deeply sensitive issue in Novi Sad, as no one has yet been held accountable for the incident despite ongoing demands for justice. Student activists had called on residents to avoid the rally in an effort to prevent clashes with Vucic’s supporters.

During his address, Vucic vowed that justice would be served for the victims of the train station collapse. The unfolding political contest in Serbia continues to be shaped by the fallout from the tragedy and the broader public discontent it exposed.