Serbian Parliament Erupts in Chaos Over Deadly Train Station Collapse

Fistfights broke out as opposition leaders demanded accountability for the Novi Sad roof collapse that killed 15, while the ruling party pushed forward with budget discussions.

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.

Courrier International