NOVI SAD, Serbia — Tens of thousands of Serbians gathered in Novi Sad on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of a devastating railway station disaster that claimed 16 lives. The commemoration also served as a powerful platform for widespread discontent with the government of President Aleksandar Vucic, whose autocratic rule has faced increasing scrutiny since the tragedy. The collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1, 2022, sparked youth-led protests and a nationwide movement demanding political change, significantly challenging Vucic’s grip on power. Protesters attribute the disaster to rampant corruption and nepotism in state infrastructure projects, particularly those involving Chinese partnerships, which allegedly led to a fatal disregard for safety standards. Despite 13 individuals being charged, no one has been held accountable. The ceremony began with 16 minutes of silence at 11:52 a.m., the exact time of the collapse, followed by wreath-laying and candlelight tributes outside the station. Attendees, including Vera Jaramazovic from Subotica, expressed profound grief and frustration, reflecting a society in turmoil. Vucic, who recently apologized to student protesters after previously threatening mass arrests, attended a church service in Belgrade while the government declared a day of mourning. However, protesters dismissed his apology, continuing to demand early parliamentary elections to oust his populist regime. Serbia’s EU accession process has stalled under Vucic’s leadership, as his close ties with Russia and China and crackdown on democratic freedoms have drawn criticism. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos noted that the tragedy has galvanized calls for accountability and democracy, values essential for Serbia’s EU integration. The event also highlighted the resilience of the protest movement, with thousands of young people marching hundreds of kilometers to Novi Sad, where they were met with emotional support from the community.