Amid massive anti-corruption protests in Serbia, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic stepped down on Tuesday. Protests erupted in the nation over the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy in November.
At least 15 people were killed in the northern city of Novi Sad in the accident. Discontent emerged against the autocratic rule of Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, who faced accusations of curbing democratic freedoms in Serbia.
Vucevic's resignation came a day after Serbian students, with farmer support, staged a daylong blockage of a major traffic intersection in Belgrade.
Meanwhile, Vucic sought an open dialogue with the protesters and expressed that he was willing to reshuffle the government.
While addressing a press conference, Vucevic said that he was stepping down to lower the tensions in Serbia.
He also said that he decided after an incident on Monday night in which a group of students was attacked in Novi Sad, in which one woman was seriously injured. "I expect the perpetrators of the attack will be arrested," Vucevic.
"It is my appeal for everyone to calm down the passions and return to dialogue," he said. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also will step down on Tuesday, he added.
Vucevic's resignation is likely to lead to an early parliamentary election in Serbia. The resignation must be confirmed by Serbia's parliament, which has 30 days to choose a new government or call a snap election.
Protesters blocked a key traffic intersection on Sunday escalating the tensions in the region.
As part of a wider infrastructure deal with Chinese state companies, the main railway station in Novi Sad was renovated twice in recent years. 15-20 minute blockades were organised by the protesters since November 1, which claimed 15 lives including two children.
