Serbia - November 2024

On 1 November, a canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station claimed 15 lives, triggering tensions and one of the largest protests in recent years in Northern Serbia. The station was renovated as part of a Chinese-led project, completed in July 2024. The tensions led to violence in protests—marked by arrests, including those of opposition members, and in Parliament, where MPs had physical clashes after the opposition was denied a debate on accountability. The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad announced an investigation into public officials and individuals involved in the construction. The public has expressed concerns that the probe did not extend to financial irregularities or corruption, particularly involving the local subcontractor company, which has previously been awarded major government projects. Two ministers and the acting director of railway infrastructure resigned. It will be important to watch how the ongoing investigation will be handled in terms of transparency and accountability, especially given the high distrust of citizens in judiciary. 

Sources: Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Danas, Nedeljne informativne novine (NIN), Radar, Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad, International Republican Institute