An estimated 140,000 protesters gathered in Belgrade demanding early elections and accountability from President Aleksandar Vucic. Clashes with police led to arrests and accusations of governmental corruption amidst growing civil unrest.
Tensions Escalate as Major Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Tensions Escalate as Major Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Massive anti-government protests in Serbia's capital culminate in violent confrontations between authorities and demonstrators seeking change.
Serbian police faced off against a massive crowd of anti-government demonstrators in Belgrade on Saturday, as around 140,000 people rallied for early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year reign. The protest, one of the largest in recent memory, was largely driven by student-led movements seeking to challenge the populist government. Chants of "We want elections!" filled the air as tensions rose between protesters and riot police.
The police responded to the escalating situation by deploying tear gas and stun grenades, resulting in numerous arrests. In a reactionary move, President Vucic accused protesters of being part of a foreign scheme to destabilize Serbia, posting on Instagram that efforts to overthrow the government had failed. Prior to the protest, five individuals were detained under accusations of plotting against the state, highlighting the administration's increasingly hostile stance toward dissent.
Calls for accountability have intensified over allegations of corruption and organized crime within Vucic’s Progressive Party, which currently holds a majority in parliament with 156 out of 250 seats. Vucic, whose term ends in 2027, has rebuffed the idea of snap elections, igniting further frustration among citizens.
One protester, 37-year-old farmer Sladjana Lojanovic from Sid, expressed solidarity with students, citing corruption as a significant issue. "Elections are the solution, but I don't think he (Vucic) will want to go peacefully," she declared. The protests gained momentum after a tragic incident in November, where 16 people died following the collapse of a railway station roof, leading to widespread anger directed at the government.
In a statement shared with the crowd, protest organizers urged the people of Serbia to "take freedom into your own hands," asserting that the authorities had squandered their chance to respond to public demands and instead opted for oppression. As the situation continues to unfold, the responsibility for any radicalization now lies squarely with the government, according to the protesters' message.
