Serbian President Vucic Calls Dialogue Amid Nine-Month Protest Wave

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called for dialogue with anti-government protesters amid ongoing unrest sparked by a fatal roof collapse at a Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people. In a televised address, he proposed discussions and debates on television and online platforms with representatives chosen by the protesters, aiming to resolve conflicts peacefully and restore stability. The protests, which have lasted over nine months, highlight widespread public dissatisfaction over alleged corruption, media suppression, and connections between Vucic’s allies and organized crime. Despite Vucic’s offer, opposition leaders and student groups remain skeptical, criticizing his administration for using violence and undermining democracy, and demanding early elections. Clashes between protesters and police have resulted in injuries and hundreds of detentions, escalating tensions further. The government denies the accusations, but the political turmoil continues to challenge Vucic’s rule and Serbia’s stability.