OBelgrade: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed a pro-government rally in Belgrade, announcing the formation of a new political movement aimed at revitalizing the nation, reported by Turkish and serbian media. This event comes in response to months of widespread student-led protests ignited by the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024, which claimed 15 lives and was attributed to alleged government corruption and negligence.
The rally, attended by approximately 55,000 supporters, was organized to counter the massive demonstrations that have swept across Serbia, with the largest protest on March 15 drawing over 300,000 participants. These protests, involving students, educators, and farmers, have expanded beyond the initial incident to address broader concerns about corruption and governance.
In his speech, President Vučić characterized the protests as externally influenced attempts to destabilize Serbia, asserting that foreign intelligence agencies were behind the unrest. He emphasized the inclusivity of his new movement, inviting all citizens committed to the nation’s progress to join.
The political climate remains tense, with reports of students and activists facing detentions and travel restrictions. The government’s response has drawn criticism from international observers concerned about democratic backsliding and the suppression of dissent.
As Serbia navigates this period of political upheaval, the effectiveness of President Vučić’s new movement in addressing the protesters’ demands and restoring public trust remains to be seen.
