Serbian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Protests and Rising National Tensions

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned amid protests following a deadly railway station collapse, aiming to mend societal divisions and promote dialogue.

On Tuesday, amidst mounting protests, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation.

This comes in the wake of a tragic event last November when the roof of a railway station collapsed, resulting in the loss of 15 lives.

Vucevic indicated that he and his team would remain in their roles until a new government is formed and a successor is appointed.

Prime Minister’s Resignation

During a press briefing, Vucevic described his resignation as an “irrevocable” action, driven by a sense of responsibility toward the people of Serbia.

He hopes that this step will ease the growing rifts and tensions within society.

In addition to his resignation, he confirmed that Milan Đuric, the mayor of Novi Sad, would also resign, aiming to foster a return to constructive political and social discourse.

Impact of Protests

Vucevic’s choice to step down was influenced by recent violent episodes involving protesting students in Novi Sad, one of whom was injured.

The protests intensified on January 27 when students organized a 24-hour blockade of a major highway in Belgrade, facing aggression from individuals linked to the Serbian Progressive Party.

The Prime Minister called for urgent action to identify and apprehend those responsible for this attack, noting a concerning rise in violence targeted towards the offices of the Serbian Progressive Party.

He voiced apprehension that the tragic incident at the train station had been politically exploited, thereby threatening to destabilize the country by deepening divisions and hindering meaningful social dialogue.

Reactions and Accountability

Marko Đurić, Serbia’s Foreign Minister, commended Vucevic’s decision to resign, describing it as an act of courage and accountability.

He highlighted how Vucevic prioritized the country’s welfare over his own political aspirations.

Before taking on the role of Prime Minister, Vucevic served as the mayor of Novi Sad from 2012 to 2022, during which he oversaw renovations to the city’s railway station.

The catastrophic incident in November 2024 sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability, with allegations of corruption and negligence aimed at government officials.

This unrest has intensified tensions between Serbian authorities and the populace, leading to class suspensions and growing calls for resignations, including that of Vucevic.

Source: Jurist