The protests began after the roof of a railway station in the city of Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people. The tragedy sparked outrage and calls for Prime Minister Vucevic to resign.

The protests began in small numbers in Novi Sad, but quickly spread to the capital Belgrade, drawing thousands of students, teachers and workers. Protesters blamed corruption in President Aleksandar Vucic's government for the violence.

Although the minister in charge of construction, transport and infrastructure and the minister of trade had previously resigned, these moves were not enough to calm the wave of protests.

“I decided to resign to reduce tensions,” Vucevic said at a news conference. He also said the mayor of Novi Sad would resign with him.

“We have met all the demands of the most radical protesters,” he added.

The protests were largely peaceful, but there were some violent incidents. On January 27, three protesters in Novi Sad were attacked, including a young woman who suffered a head injury and was hospitalized. Protesters accused members of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of being behind the attack.

Mr Vucevic said the government was investigating and blamed “foreign interference” for inciting the protests, without providing specific evidence.

On the international stage, Serbia is seen as an important strategic player, with special historical ties to both Russia and the West. Serbia is currently a candidate for membership in the European Union (EU), but the prerequisite is the normalization of relations with Kosovo – a neighbor and former province of Serbia.

The opposition party Kreni-Promeni has called for an interim government of experts, which has been endorsed by the students leading the protests. It has also urged other opposition parties not to boycott if elections are held.

Cao Phong (according to AJ, BBC, CNN)