Eleven months ago, the reconstruction of a train station canopy in Serbia could not stand in the strike of time. On November 1, 2024, a reconstruction that was supposed to last for many years has failed. The entire roof collapsed at the Novi Sad station before its eye.

Economic historian, Aleksandar Matkovic, was running late for work and witnessed the tragedy. He has been waiting for a train from Novi Sad to Belgrade, his eyes fixed on the space where the canopy was. The scene of horror was hard to comprehend.

Another town in the spotlight.

The canopy had been built hastily and hastily closed and reopened before collapsing. The construction of Novi Sad had been finished just four months before the roof fell.

Protests began spontaneously and  have become near-daily events. Nearly everyone in Serbia has been impacted by the collapse: angry residents, protesters, and judges.

Some blame the President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. They have ruled Serbia for 12 long years. Freedom House, a group that ranks global democracies, downgraded Serbia's democracy from "free" to "partially free" in 2019. Vucic's government suppressed media freedom and put too much power in presidential hands.

Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party is difficult to define. Some believe he is following in the footsteps of authoritarian leaders such as Alexander Lukashenko and Viktor Orban. Others believe the man has built a criminal state with no law. An expert from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies said that Serbia is similar to Russia's early 1990s scenario.

His government is also known for being strategic.

 In the Balkans, Serbia has become a major player, with more countries looking to win their favor. Moscow, China, Europe, and even the United States have all sought to work with Serbia in recent years. Some analysts have likened his rule to a "strategic ambiguity, " where Serbia's government imperceptibly balances international influences to benefit the country. This, however, has come at a cost of domestic discontent.

The station has become a symbol of corruption for Serbia, and the Serbian people have amassed to protest. They have flooded the streets with anger and determination.

Vucic has always known how to work his way out of trouble. But this time is different. Student protests have evolved into grassroots movements. Farmers and even judges have taken to the streets in support.

Many are pushing for change.

There is little clarity on what will happen next. The government struggles to maintain control.

The protests may be a sign that people are ready for change. People demand for a belief more in laws, in the judiciary, in checks and balances, than in one personality type.

How A Train Station Disaster Stood Up Against The Country's Leader

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