Thousands of Serbians Demand Prime Minister’s Resignation Following Deadly Roof Collapse

In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Serbia demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, following a deadly roof collapse at a prominent public building in Belgrade. The incident, which occurred last week, has sparked widespread outrage over government negligence and has led to growing calls for accountability.
The Tragic Roof Collapse: A Nation in Shock
The collapse occurred on the evening of November 7th, when a section of the roof of a government building in Belgrade, housing several important ministries, collapsed during a routine maintenance check. At least 15 people—construction workers and employees—were killed, with dozens more injured, many critically. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, but the scale of the disaster left many shocked and grieving.
Initial reports suggest that poorly executed renovations and inadequate safety protocols contributed to the collapse. Workers on the site reported that they had raised concerns about the state of the building’s infrastructure but were met with dismissive attitudes and bureaucratic red tape.
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
In the wake of the tragedy, the public response has been swift and intense. Thousands of Serbians from all walks of life have gathered in Belgrade, with protests spilling into other major cities, demanding Prime Minister Brnabić’s resignation. The protesters blame the Serbian government for what they see as an egregious failure to ensure basic safety standards in public buildings.
Protest leaders and citizens alike are pointing to a history of corruption, mismanagement, and neglect in the handling of public infrastructure projects. They argue that the government’s lack of investment in building safety and its reluctance to address warnings from workers have now led to avoidable deaths.
“We want justice, and we want change,” said Miloš Marković, one of the protest organizers. “This tragedy could have been prevented if the government had listened to the workers. Instead, they chose to ignore safety concerns, and now we have innocent lives lost. We demand accountability.”
The Role of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić
The protestors have specifically called for the resignation of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, whose administration has faced criticism for its handling of infrastructure and public safety issues in recent years. Brnabić, the first openly gay prime minister of Serbia, has often been praised internationally for her efforts to modernize the country and push for EU integration. However, domestically, she has come under fire for her handling of key issues, including the country’s economic policies and government transparency.
Following the collapse, Brnabić faced mounting pressure to resign, but she has so far resisted calls to step down, instead vowing to oversee a thorough investigation into the incident. In a national address, she expressed her condolences to the victims’ families, promising that those responsible for the collapse would be held accountable. However, her response has done little to quell the anger on the streets, with many seeing her words as insufficient.
“I understand the grief and frustration of the people, but I assure you that the investigation will uncover the truth and justice will be served,” Brnabić said in a televised speech. “We are committed to improving safety standards across the country to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
But critics argue that this is yet another empty promise, pointing to the lack of accountability for previous safety incidents that have plagued public buildings and infrastructure under Brnabić’s leadership.
A Nation’s Struggle with Corruption and Safety Standards
The deadly roof collapse has reignited long-standing frustrations with the government’s lack of transparency and failure to address systemic issues of corruption and negligence. Serbia has seen numerous reports of unsafe construction practices, substandard public works, and a culture of bribery and kickbacks that often lead to compromised safety standards.
The country has struggled for years to modernize its infrastructure while contending with a legacy of poorly maintained buildings and outdated systems. In particular, many of Serbia’s state-owned buildings, including schools, hospitals, and government offices, have faced growing concerns about their structural integrity.
Serbia’s economic challenges, coupled with limited resources allocated to safety and construction oversight, have only exacerbated the problem. Critics argue that rather than prioritizing safety, the government has focused too much on cosmetic modernization projects, leaving fundamental structural issues unaddressed.
The Aftermath: A Call for Reform
In the wake of the protests, many are calling for a broad reform of Serbia’s public infrastructure policies. Protesters have been demanding stricter regulations on construction safety, improved building inspections, and greater accountability for government officials responsible for overseeing public works.
Activists are also pushing for stronger whistleblower protections for workers who report safety violations. In the aftermath of the roof collapse, it has been revealed that some workers had raised alarms about the building’s condition months prior to the incident but were ignored by higher-ups who prioritized cutting costs and expediting the renovations.
“This isn’t just about the roof collapse. This is about the system that allows these tragedies to happen over and over again,” said Jovana Petrović, a lawyer and human rights activist. “We need systemic changes. We need more oversight, more accountability, and more protection for those who speak out against corruption.”
The Road Ahead
As the protests continue, the pressure is mounting on the government to take immediate action. Many are calling for an independent commission to oversee the investigation into the roof collapse, ensuring that there is no political interference or cover-up.
Public opinion remains firmly divided. Supporters of Brnabić argue that her government has made strides in modernizing Serbia’s economy and improving diplomatic relations with the European Union. However, for many, the deadly incident has become a symbol of the government’s failure to prioritize public safety and its disregard for the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Whether Prime Minister Brnabić will step down remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Serbian people are demanding justice and meaningful change. The outcome of these protests could set the tone for Serbia’s political future, as the country grapples with the deep-seated issues of governance, corruption, and safety that have plagued it for decades.
Conclusion: The Growing Need for Accountability
The roof collapse in Belgrade is more than just a tragic accident; it is a powerful reminder of the need for a transparent, accountable government that values the safety and well-being of its citizens. As protests continue to unfold, Serbia stands at a crossroads. Will the government heed the people’s call for change, or will the demands for justice fall on deaf ears?
For now, the people of Serbia are resolute in their demand: a fair investigation, accountability, and a leadership that prioritizes the safety of its people above all else. The future of Serbia’s political landscape may very well depend on how this crisis is handled in the coming weeks and months.