Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday that people are concerned about the Novi Sad train station accident that claimed 14 lives, and are demanding accountability.

He called on Serbian Government members to demonstrate responsibility, emphasizing that they must show it and make a difference.

“I know some people deliberately did not resign, or were not allowed to resign before that gathering (the protest in Novi Sad), to avoid claims that it was done under pressure. Here is your chance now, show moral and political responsibility,” Vucic told an interview with the Serbian state TV (RTS) from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he is attending the COP29 Climate Change Conference.

He urged prosecutors to continue their diligent work in determining criminal liability, adding that he knows how complex the case is.

“We must not only show respect and care for the victims’ families but also prove that we are a responsible society that will properly prosecute those who are guilty. Political and moral responsibility must be held to a higher standard. This is precisely how we distinguish ourselves from those who are irresponsible and think they can gain something through deception,” Vucic said.

Commenting on the opposition protest held Monday evening in Belgrade, the Serbian president said he had correctly predicted that there would be no problems and that the gathering would be unsuccessful.

„I made a good assessment, they made many catastrophic mistakes. You cannot deceive the people, you cannot use every tragedy to score political points. Also, you can’t tell people that Vucic didn’t light a candle when we then show them a picture of me lighting one,” said Vucic.