Overview

• On June 1, thousands marched in over 25 cities under the slogan “Erhebe dich, Serbien!” to call for a snap parliamentary vote.
• The demonstrations began in November after a renovated train station canopy in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 16 and fueling accusations of government negligence and corruption.
• Students have spearheaded the protests by occupying universities and staging roadblocks, later drawing participants from diverse social backgrounds.
• A recent CRTA survey shows 59% of Serbians back the protest movement, though the government has challenged the poll’s findings.
• President Aleksandar Vučić, who has overseen media and institutional controls since 2012, has only pledged elections within the next 18 months, falling short of demonstrators’ demands.