Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade on Saturday to renew demands for early elections, continuing a movement sparked by a fatal accident last November that has evolved into a broad call for political change in Serbia. The protests originated after the collapse of a station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in 16 deaths, prompting public outrage and calls for a transparent investigation.

The crowd assembled between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time, marching through the capital to Slavija Square in the city center. Demonstrators chanted the movement’s emblematic slogan, “The students are winning,” accompanied by the beat of drums and whistles. The phrase was also displayed on banners, clothing, and stickers throughout the gathering. Participants included university students, pensioners, war veterans, and regional representatives who held banners showing the names of their hometowns. Security was organized by students wearing high-visibility vests, with support from war veterans and biker groups aiding crowd protection.

Police estimated the turnout at approximately 34,000 people, although no independent verification was available. Authorities reported the protest began peacefully, with no major incidents before or during the rally. Police Chief Dragan Vasiljevic emphasized the hope that the event, including its conclusion, would proceed without disruption.

The protests have persisted since the Novi Sad disaster, with a notable demonstration in March 2025 reportedly drawing up to 300,000 participants. The movement, primarily led by students, aims to pressure President Aleksandar Vucic, who represents a nationalist political stance, into calling early elections. Vucic recently suggested that elections could be held as soon as autumn.

Some previous protests have experienced clashes, with some participants alleging attacks by masked government supporters, but Saturday’s event remained largely peaceful. Human rights concerns have intensified in Serbia, with the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner recently warning of a deteriorating environment, citing assaults on activists and journalists, a shrinking civic space, and alleged police abuses during demonstrations.

Demonstrators expressed determination to maintain pressure on the government. “After a year and a half of protests, people have not given up and have not lost their strength,” said Ivan Milosavljevic, who traveled from eastern Serbia. Other participants echoed calls for Serbia to become a democratic state under the rule of law and to integrate into the European democratic community.

The ongoing protests reflect deep public frustration over governance and accountability, as well as demands for transparency following the tragic Novi Sad accident, which continues to serve as the catalyst for the sustained anti-corruption movement.