On 28 January 2025, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević announced his resignation, bowing to popular pressure. This decision came after a day of massive mobilisation across the country, with demonstrations in nearly 130 towns and cities. On Tuesday morning, his prime minister, Milos Vucevic, also spoke of ‘unacceptable’ violence before announcing his departure.
The protesters’ demands
The protester, mainly students but also high school pupils, employees and pensioners, continue to take to the streets almost daily. Their demands include the publication of all documents relating to the renovation of Novi Sad station, the arrest of those responsible for assaulting demonstrators, the dropping of charges against arrested students, and a 20% increase in the higher education budget.
Tension remains palpable across the country, with sporadic clashes between demonstrators and government supporters. On 29 January, a young woman was injured in a clash in Novi Sad between students and activists from the ruling nationalist SNS party.
President Aleksandar Vučić, considered to be the strongman of the regime, called for dialogue and promised a ‘wide-ranging’ cabinet reshuffle. He also said that the resignation could lead to early parliamentary elections or an attempt by the ruling majority to form a new government. Vučić finally announced his intention to invite all parties to consultations regarding the formation of a new government, while rejecting the opposition’s demand for a transitional government.
However, these concessions are seen by many as insufficient to resolve the crisis. Nevertheless, Andrea Ikodinovic, a 24-year-old student at the Faculty of Political Science in Belgrade, says that the Prime Minister’s resignation does not satisfy any of their demands and that the blockades will not stop.
Outlook and uncertainties
Protesters are organizing further demonstrations, including a large rally in Novi Sad on 1 February to commemorate three months since the accident. The movement, which has broadened its demands to denounce systemic corruption, continues to mount pressure on Aleksandar Vučić’s government.
Tensions remain high as opposition leaders advocate for a transitional government to « end the violence » and « guarantee free elections. » However, analysts contend that a new administration under the SNS would fail to bring meaningful change, leaving the crisis unresolved.
