Overview

• The collapse of a recently renovated rail station roof in Novi Sad on November 1 resulted in 15 fatalities and has sparked widespread public anger toward Serbia's government.
• Opposition lawmakers accused the ruling party of corruption and negligence, displaying banners with slogans like 'blood is on your hands,' which led to physical altercations in parliament.
• The ruling coalition, which holds a parliamentary majority, focused on passing the 2025 budget, dismissing opposition calls for a no-confidence debate on government accountability for the disaster.
• Critics allege substandard construction and inadequate oversight in the Novi Sad renovation, part of a Serbian-Chinese infrastructure partnership, contributed to the collapse.
• Protests across Serbia have intensified, with thousands demanding transparency in infrastructure projects and greater government accountability, while arrests and detentions of activists have also been reported.