Tens of thousands of people, led by university students, rallied in Belgrade on May 24, 2026, to protest against the government of President Aleksandar Vucic and call for early elections. The demonstration, one of the largest in recent years, was sparked by the Novi Sad railway station disaster in November 2024, which killed 16 people and led to widespread accusations of corruption and negligence.
Protesters marched through the city center, blocking traffic and chanting slogans against the government. Student leaders demanded accountability for the disaster and a transition to a transitional government that would organize free and fair elections. The rally was largely peaceful, though police reported minor incidents.
The Novi Sad disaster, in which a concrete canopy collapsed at the station, has fueled months of protests across Serbia. Critics say the government has failed to address systemic corruption in public infrastructure projects. President Vucic has dismissed calls for early elections, stating that the next vote is scheduled for 2027.
