Vucic apologizes ahead of mass protests in Serbia as tensions rise over corruption and democracy
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic publicly apologized on Friday for “certain things” he said about students and protesters demonstrating against his government since November last year. His unexpected statement comes on the eve of major anti-government protests expected to draw tens of thousands of people to Novi Sad on Saturday — an event many observers are calling historic for Serbia.
“Many broke the rules and committed acts of violence against the state and private property. Just as some expressed their anger, I also regret some of the things I said. I apologize for that,” Vucic said in a televised address, delivered only hours before the commemoration of the Novi Sad train station roof collapse, which killed 16 people and sparked one of the largest protest movements in the country’s recent history.
Vucic, described by EFE as a nationalist and populist leader who has dominated Serbia’s political scene since 2012, did not specify which of his many statements prompted his apology. During the past year, he has labeled protesters as “terrorists,” “blockade creators,” and “foreign mercenaries,” claiming the demonstrations were organized and financed from abroad.
Marking one year since the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad station roof — a symbol of government negligence and corruption — Vucic expressed condolences to the victims’ families and admitted that “many in Serbian society, including myself, have made serious mistakes.” He invited citizens to join him in lighting candles for the victims, saying, “As long as people mourn peacefully, I fully support them.”
Protesters gather for justice and accountability
On Saturday, tens of thousands are expected in Novi Sad to demand transparency, justice, and new elections. Many began arriving Friday night — on foot, by car, or bicycle — to participate in a 16-minute moment of silence at 11:52 a.m., the exact time the station roof collapsed on November 1, 2024. The accident, which killed 14 people instantly and two more later, ignited a student-led movement against corruption and government mismanagement.
For opposition groups, the tragedy symbolizes the deep corruption plaguing Serbia’s public works projects. According to Transparency International, Serbia scored just 35 out of 100 in its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index — 31 points below the European average of 64.
A nationwide march for change
“All those in Serbia who stand against corruption, crime, and the ruling party will gather in Novi Sad,” said Ratko Popovic, 47, one of thousands who greeted student marchers arriving after a 350-kilometer trek from across the country. The long protest marches have become a hallmark of the movement, allowing students to reach towns and villages to share their demands and counter pro-government media narratives that portray them as “foreign-backed terrorists.”
Following Saturday’s silent tribute, protesters plan speeches, public readings, and a symbolic march to the Danube River. While most demonstrations have remained peaceful, violent clashes between Vucic’s supporters and protesters erupted over the summer, leading to hundreds of arrests and increased state repression.
The European Parliament recently passed a resolution supporting the “right of Serbian students and citizens to peaceful protest” and condemning the government’s “violent crackdown.” In response, Serbia’s government declared Saturday a national day of mourning, calling on citizens to lower flags in remembrance of the victims.
