Pro-Government Rally in Belgrade Draws Thousands Amid Ongoing Unrest

After a series of protests sparked by a deadly railway incident, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted a large rally in Belgrade to garner support from his followers, claiming the event was vital for the country’s stability.

Tens of thousands of supporters flocked to the National Assembly in Belgrade for the event, with organizers estimating around 55,000 people attended. Although the turnout included some participants from neighboring countries, it was substantially lower than the previous month’s massive anti-government protest, which saw an estimated 325,000 people marching against Vucic and his administration.

The rally was promoted by Vucic as the initiation of a new "Movement for the People and the State," purportedly aimed at safeguarding Serbia against perceived threats from foreign forces intent on destabilizing the nation. In his address, Vucic called upon prosecutors to take action to restore peace and accused student-led protests of undermining national stability. He further claimed that activists were financially supported by external intelligence agencies, although he did not specify which countries he was referencing.

Vucic also accused the national broadcaster, RTS, of participating in an orchestrated effort to provoke a “colour revolution” in Serbia.

The unrest has its roots in a tragic incident last November, where the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad claimed 15 lives. Many citizens attributed this disaster to alleged corruption and poor governance by Vucic’s Progressive Party. The aftermath led to widespread demonstrations where activists rallied under the slogan “corruption kills," denouncing the opaque procurement processes that prioritized lucrative infrastructure projects over public safety.

Despite several resignations among governmental officials and Vucic's unyielding stance to remain in power, protests have persisted. The recent rally sought to consolidate his base amid mounting pressures and widespread dissatisfaction over his leadership, particularly following last month’s unprecedented public outcry.