Student-led protests force Serbian leader to announce ministerial purge

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has unveiled plans for a sweeping government reshuffle, with more than half of the current ministers set to lose their posts.

The announcement comes amid escalating student protests and widespread public dissatisfaction, Caliber.Az reports via international media.

"In these difficult political times, it has become clear who is ready to fight, who is not, who is ready to work, who is not, who is hiding in a mouse hole, and who is not," Vucic said. "Accordingly, I expect that more than 50% of the current ministers will be replaced in a very urgent reconstruction of the government. The country has to function, and there is no more important task for the government than organizing life and raising living standards. That is what it must do."

The announcement coincides with intensified protests in Serbia, led by students and supported by other groups. On January 27, protesters initiated a 24-hour blockade at a major motorway junction in Belgrade's Autokomanda neighbourhood. Traffic was brought to a standstill as demonstrators voiced their frustrations.

In a poignant moment, the protesters observed 15 minutes of silence to honour the memory of 15 people who died on November 1, 2024, when the canopy over the Novi Sad railway station tragically collapsed. Farmers joined the protests in solidarity, driving tractors to the blockade site to amplify their demands.

The blockade is expected to continue until 10:00 a.m. local time on January 28. 

By Tamilla Hasanova