Protestors accuse Mr Vucic’s administration of overseeing a system rife with cronyism and disregard for public safety, demanding accountability for the tragedy. Many carried banners reading “He’s Finished!” while chants of “Pump it Up” – a slogan adopted by the movement – rang through the streets.

Thousands of protesters, mainly students, descended on Serbia's capital on Friday ahead of a planned weekend of massive anti-government rallies, many travelling hundreds of miles on foot or by bike.

The rally was part of a nationwide anti-corruption movement that erupted after a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Serbia's north in November, killing 15 people.

Students and anti-government demonstrators gather in front of the parliament building during a protest, which has become a national movement for change following the deadly November 2024 Novi Sad railway station roof collapse, in Belgrade, Serbia, March 15, 2025. REUTERS/Djordje Kojadinovic

Belgrade is preparing for a massive anti-government protest that will take place on Saturday. Students from across the country arrived in the capital on Friday. Authorities are warning of potential acts of violence and possible arrests.