Prime Minister of Serbia Steps Down in Midst of Demonstrations Following Deadly Roof Collapse
The disaster in the city of Novi Sad last November led to nationwide demonstrations.
Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned on Tuesday, in response to widespread protests across the country.
Vucevic’s resignation came after anti-government demonstrations grew following a tragic incident where the roof of a railway station collapsed in Novi Sad, resulting in the death of 15 people.
“I decided to step down to ease tensions,” said Vucevic, who assumed office in April 2024, during a press conference announcing his resignation.
He also mentioned that the mayor of Novi Sad would be stepping down as well.
“By doing this, we have addressed the demands of the most radical protesters,” he added.
Vucevic’s resignation may trigger an early parliamentary election, as it needs to be confirmed by Belgrade’s parliament within 30 days to select a new government or call for a snap election.
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Pro-government media sources reported that President Aleksandar Vucic will participate in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss appointing a new prime minister or calling for early elections.
Vucic is scheduled to address Serbia at 8 p.m. local time.
The opposition Kreni-Promeni party has proposed the formation of an interim government comprising experts endorsed by protesting students and has urged other opposition parties not to boycott elections, if held.
What started as isolated protests in Novi Sad expanded to other parts of Serbia, including the capital Belgrade.
People from various sectors such as students, teachers, farmers, and workers gathered to blame the disaster on government corruption.
Classes at universities and schools across Serbia have been disrupted for two months, with students occupying faculty buildings.
Although the construction, transportation, and infrastructure minister, along with the trade minister, resigned over the incident, the protests continued.
Despite facing allegations from opposition parties and rights organizations of voter bribery, press suppression, violence, corruption, and ties to organized crime, Vucic has shown no intention of stepping down.
Vucic and his party have refuted these allegations.
The protests have mostly been peaceful, with the exception of an attack on three protesters in Novi Sad, which the victims attributed to members of the SNS party.
During the attack, a young woman sustained head injuries and was hospitalized.
A woman holds a placard reading “Smells like corruption spirit” during a demonstration in front of the government building in central Belgrade on Jan. 24, 2025, Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images
Strategic Player
Vucic is considered a key player on the global stage, especially given Serbia’s historical connections with Russia and its future interactions with the West.
Serbia has applied for EU membership and is currently a candidate, although it has been advised to normalize relations with Kosovo, its former province that declared independence in 2008.
Both Belgrade and Moscow do not acknowledge Kosovo as a sovereign state, and Vucic is expected to visit Russia in May.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
