Serbian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Protests Following Train Station Tragedy

In a significant political development, the Prime Minister of Serbia, Milos Vucevic, has announced his resignation in the wake of ongoing protests that erupted following a tragic train station collapse in Novi Sad last November. The incident, which resulted in the death of 15 individuals, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability regarding construction standards and governmental oversight.

Since the disaster, citizens have taken to the streets almost daily, expressing their dissatisfaction with the current administration led by President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters have accused the government of corruption, poor construction practices, and a lack of proper oversight, which they believe contributed to the fatal incident.

Vucevic, who has been in office for less than a year, stated that his resignation is intended to de-escalate tensions within the nation. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and urged the public to calm their passions. His exit from the political scene must be ratified by the Serbian parliament, which has a 30-day window to either elect a new government or call for snap elections.

Addressing the media in Belgrade, Vucevic characterized his resignation as a final and irrevocable decision, stating that he had engaged in lengthy discussions with President Vucic prior to making this announcement. He expressed his intent to prevent further unrest and ensure that the government continues to function until a new cabinet is established.

The protests intensified following incidents of violence directed at student demonstrators in Novi Sad, with reports of injuries among those participating in peaceful protests. Vucevic criticized certain political factions for allegedly exploiting the train station disaster for their own gain, claiming that they are misusing this tragedy for political leverage.

In addition to Vucevic's resignation, the Mayor of Novi Sad, Milan Duric, also stepped down from his position. Both officials have faced scrutiny regarding their roles in the events leading up to the collapse, with previous allegations of corruption and negligence surfacing as part of the public outcry.

Public sentiment remains deeply affected by the tragic loss of life, and demonstrators are demanding more stringent judicial action against those deemed responsible for the poor construction that led to the collapse. The former Minister of Transport, Goran Vesic, resigned shortly after the incident and has since been charged alongside several others in connection with the tragedy.

The protests are expected to continue as citizens seek justice and better accountability from their leaders. Vucevic's resignation marks a pivotal moment in Serbian politics, as the nation grapples with the implications of past decisions and the urgent need for reform in governance and infrastructure safety.