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Serbia’s PM Resigns Amid Growing Anti-Corruption Protests
Serbia’s populist Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned on Tuesday in an effort to ease mounting political tensions sparked by weeks of large-scale anti-corruption protests. The protests erupted after the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy in Novi Sad in November, which killed 15 people and exposed widespread public dissatisfaction with the government.
Vucevic’s resignation is seen as an attempt to calm the situation and quell unrest, with the ongoing protests reflecting broader concerns over the increasingly autocratic leadership of President Aleksandar Vucic. Vucic, who has faced criticism for restricting democratic freedoms while pursuing European Union membership, has been under pressure since the tragedy.
“It is my appeal for everyone to calm down the passions and return to dialogue,” Vucevic stated during a news conference announcing his departure. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also resigned on Tuesday.
The resignation could pave the way for early parliamentary elections, although the move must first be confirmed by Serbia’s parliament, which has 30 days to either appoint a new government or call a snap election.
Pro-government media reported that President Vucic is expected to attend a Cabinet meeting later Tuesday to decide whether to appoint a new prime minister or call for an early election.
Opposition parties are pushing for a transitional government to ensure fair elections, citing concerns over past electoral irregularities under Vucic’s leadership.
Vucevic, who became prime minister in April 2024 after the Serbian Progressive Party won a disputed election, acknowledged the mounting political pressure in the wake of the Novi Sad tragedy. "They (the ruling party) have been in a free fall since the Novi Sad tragedy," journalist Slobodan Georgiev said on N1 television.
Anti-government protests have intensified, with students leading the charge. On Monday, tens of thousands joined striking university students in blocking a major intersection in Belgrade. Protesters have been demanding accountability for the canopy collapse, which they blame on government corruption.
In a bid to ease tensions, Vucic, Vucevic, and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic called for dialogue with the protesters, but their overtures have been rebuffed. Vucevic cited an attack on a female student in Novi Sad early Tuesday as a key reason for his resignation, suggesting it reflected ongoing efforts to stoke division.
Vucevic also claimed that the protests were “undoubtedly” organized from abroad with the aim of destabilizing Serbia, though he provided no evidence for the claim.
The Serbian government is under investigation for its role in the collapse, with 13 people, including a minister and several state officials, facing charges. However, skepticism remains regarding the independence of the investigation, particularly after former Construction Minister Goran Vesic was released from detention.
Meanwhile, daily protests continue across Serbia, including 15-minute traffic blockades at 11:52 am to honor the victims of the canopy collapse. The protests have disrupted daily life, with some demonstrators facing dangerous incidents, such as vehicles driving into crowds, resulting in injuries.