“He Is Finished”: Why Serbia’s Protests Have Reached the Boiling Point

Introduction: A Country in Crisis

Serbia has witnessed some of the largest demonstrations in recent times. For months, people have marched in the streets of cities, chanting against President Aleksandar Vučić and his government. A grassroots movement that began among students has grown to a national rage. Protesters hold the government responsible for corruption, poor governance, and lack of accountability.

The most frequently shouted slogan on the streets is: "He is finished." People are shouting these slogans in the face of Vučić, meaning that they believe his time as president is over. But even so, even with all this pressure, the president does not want to resign, and this has created a volatile situation in the country.

How It All Began

The Station Collapse Tragedy

The proximal trigger of the protests was a canopy collapse at one of Novi Sad's train stations. Sixteen people died in the accident, and dozens were injured. To citizens, it was not just a tragedy—it was proof of deep corruption and substandard construction work involving government allies.

Citizens believed that the government had been dismissive of safety measures and allowed shoddy work on construction sites. Instead of blaming contractors, critics attributed the fault to the country's leadership that tolerated corruption in any shape or form.

Students Organize the First Protests

Students conducted peaceful protests following the tragedy. They organized vigils for the victims and demanded answers. Silent marches were conducted every 15th of the month to commemorate the victims. These became a tradition, with tens of thousands attending.

At first, the government dismissed the students as "misled youth." But when the protests grew, it was clear that this was a movement more than the students—it was turning into a national clamor for justice.

The Growth of the Movement

From Students to Citizens

Later, teachers, workers, peasants, and families joined the demonstrations. The protests stretched from Novi Sad to Belgrade, Niš, and over 300 towns. Over 60% of Serbians supported the protests, according to opinion polls.

By March, Belgrade saw one of the largest rallies in decades, with around 100,000 people packing the streets. It was a turning point. Serbia hadn't seen such a unified display of anger since Slobodan Milošević toppled in 2000.

Demands Arise

As the movement gained momentum, so did its list of demands. Protesters called for:

• Early parliamentary elections
• A full investigation of the Novi Sad tragedy
• Publication of all construction project documents
• Accountability of politicians and construction companies
• Resignation of President Vučić, the prime minister, and the mayor of Novi Sad
• Combating corruption and a return to genuine democracy

All these demands reflected frustration built up over years. Serbians feel trapped in a system in which the same political elite hold power without accountability.

When the Protests Turned Violent

Street Battles

There had been peaceful protests for months. But when the government refused to budge, that rage overflowed. Protesters vandalized the headquarters of the governing Serbian Progressive Party in Novi Sad. Riot police clashed with protesters in Belgrade, employing tear gas and batons.

In some cases, pro-government demonstrators joined the violence, pelting protesters with stones and flares. Protesters accused the police of doing nothing and allowing these attacks to happen. Dozens were arrested, and some were injured in the violence.

Chaos in Parliament

The crisis even spilled into the parliament of Serbia. In March, opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and flares during a tense session. Fistfights broke out, furniture was destroyed, and at least three MPs were hurt.

An MP even suffered a stroke in the midst of the chaos, sending him into critical condition. This shocking sight showed how polarized the politics of the country had become.

Government's Response

Denial and Accusations

President Vučić and ruling party supporters tried to label the protests as foreign-orchestrated. They accused Western countries of bribing students to riot. They also referred to protesters as "terrorists" and "thugs."

Instead of defusing the crisis, accusations only infuriated protesters. Many felt insulted that their real sorrow and anger were dismissed as foreign manipulation.

Resignations and Small Changes

To assuage nerves, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević stepped down in January. In May, a new cabinet was formed, but it seemed like more of the same to protesters. They were calling for systemic reform, not cosmetic touch-ups.

The government also threatened snap elections, but no date was given. People began to believe Vučić was simply stalling, hoping the protests would dissipate.

Use of Force

Police were used in mass numbers at demonstrations. Videos recorded police beating protesters and dragging them into vans. Tear gas was used in crowded areas, even where there were children and families.

There were also some reports of unexplained "sonic attacks" at rallies—loud noises that made people dizzy. A Russian investigation later claimed no sonic weapons had been used, but suspicion lingers.

The Role of the European Union

Serbia had long been interested in joining the European Union. But EU leaders indicated that membership entails respect for democracy, rule of law, and freedom of the media.

As demonstrations grew, the EU and Council of Europe called on Serbia to uphold the right to peaceful assembly. European politicians also put pressure on Vučić to organize free and fair elections.

The crisis is now challenging Serbia's European path to the test. If Serbia's government keeps repressing the opposition, it can hurt its ambition to join the EU in the coming years.

Voices from the Streets

Protesters' Resolve

The majority of protesters claim that they are tired of living in a corrupt state. "We don't want to leave Serbia. We want to live here, but in a country where the government takes responsibility.".

Yet another marcher explained: "We are no longer frightened. They can't arrest us all. If ten of us get beaten, ten more will replace them."

Such testimonials point to the fact that the movement has moved beyond politics—it's about dignity and equality in daily life.

Government Supporters

At the same time, Vučić also has a loyal base. Some of the Serbians perceive him as offering stability and protecting national interests. They fear that if he is ousted, there will be chaos.

This polarization in public opinion makes the country extremely polarized, making compromise difficult.

Why the Crisis Matters

For Serbia's Future

The protests are not about one disastrous accident alone. They are about how Serbia functions, how corruption eats into institutions, and about citizens feeling locked out of decisions that count in their world.

If the government refuses genuine change, more violence could follow. Or, early elections and accountability could trigger a stabilisation process.

For the Region

Serbia is the central nation of the Balkans. Instability in the government can spread to other countries, especially in a region that is still under conflict. The world is keeping an eye on the situation with hopes that the crisis does not widen.

For Europe

The EU must decide how much to push Serbia toward reform. If Brussels ignores democratic backsliding, it will lose its legitimacy. But if it pressures too much, Serbia may seek to look elsewhere for influence, maybe Russia or China.

What Happens Next?

The future of the protests is uncertain. Some believe the movement will keep growing until the government makes a proposal to hold elections. Others fear the authorities may turn to harder methods of dispersing protests.

For now, citizens and students keep protesting. They claim that they will not stop until their conditions are met. The longer the protests drag on, the harder the pressure grows for Vučić.

Whether this results in reform, resignation, or further repression will decide Serbia's future for many decades to come.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Serbia

The wails shouted out in the streets of Serbia—"He is finished"—signal a country at the breaking point. What began as national mourning for a sad accident escalated into a call for justice, democracy, and accountability across the country.

President Vučić is facing the largest challenge of his presidency. His response will decide not just his political future but the future of Serbia's path.

Will the government listen to its people and allow change, or will it cling to power at all costs? The answer will tell us if Serbia is stepping closer to democracy—or gradually further away.