A massive protest in Belgrade marked by violent confrontations between police and demonstrators highlighted growing discontent with President Aleksandar Vucic's administration, as allegations of corruption and mismanagement fuel public outrage.
Rising Tensions in Belgrade: Anti-Government Protests Escalate
Rising Tensions in Belgrade: Anti-Government Protests Escalate
Clashes erupt in the Serbian capital as thousands demand President Vucic's resignation and call for early elections.
Serbian police clashed with a large crowd of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, demanding early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. The demonstration drew around 140,000 participants, marking the largest turnout in recent months amid anti-government sentiment. Chants of "We want elections!" echoed through the city as tensions escalated.
As the protests unfolded, riot police responded with tear gas and stun grenades, resulting in numerous arrests. Vucic dismissed the demonstrators' calls for an election, suggesting they were part of a foreign conspiracy aiming to destabilize Serbia. He made these remarks via Instagram, where he maintained that their efforts had failed.
Authorities reported that five individuals were detained on Friday for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Following the violent skirmishes, the police minister condemned the actions of protestors and stated that those responsible would face consequences.
Months of unrest, characterized by various protests—including university shutdowns—have shaken Vucic's government, which is due for parliamentary elections in 2027. Many citizens feel that Vucic is unresponsive to their demands for transparency and changes in governance.
Among the protesters was farmer Sladjana Lojanovic from Sid, who voiced her support for students, citing rampant corruption as a core issue and expressing skepticism about Vucic relinquishing power peacefully. The president's coalition holds a significant majority, yet allegations of ties to organized crime and a clampdown on media freedoms persist.
The dissent was sparked by a tragic incident where 16 people lost their lives due to the collapse of a railway station roof last November, with protesters blaming governmental negligence for the disaster. Following this rally, protest organizers urged citizens to "take freedom into your own hands," accusing authorities of opting for violence instead of addressing the protesters' grievances.
