What started as a tragic accident at a train station in Serbia has turned into a nationwide outcry that could shake the foundations of the country’s leadership. On November 1, Aleksandar Matkovic arrived at the Novi Sad station just moments after its newly rebuilt canopy collapsed, killing 15 people. The disaster has become a symbol of corruption and negligence under President Aleksandar Vucic’s long-standing government.

The collapse sparked immediate outrage. What began as vigils for the victims quickly grew into daily protests, drawing people from all walks of life. Students, farmers, and even judges have joined the movement, demanding transparency and accountability. “People have had enough,” says one expert, highlighting the growing frustration with Vucic’s administration.

Vucic, who has led Serbia for over a decade, is no stranger to criticism. His ruling party has been accused of undermining democracy, controlling the media, and concentrating power. While past protests fizzled out, this wave feels different. The tragedy has united Serbians in a way that previous scandals couldn’t. Protesters are calling for systemic change, not just quick fixes.

The station’s collapse is seen as a result of rushed construction, allegedly pushed by political elites. The project was reopened in 2022 with much fanfare, only to close again for further work by a Chinese company. When it reopened this past July, the canopy’s collapse just four months later left many questioning the integrity of the work.

So far, 13 people have been charged in connection with the disaster, including a former minister. But protesters want more—political and criminal accountability for those at the top. Vucic has a history of outmaneuvering opposition, but this time, the movement’s sheer size and diversity present a new challenge.

As the protests continue, questions loom over whether Vucic can survive this crisis. “The fear factor is gone,” says one analyst, noting the unprecedented participation of judges and other officials. Whether this movement leads to real change or fades away remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Serbians are demanding a system that works for them, not just for those in power.