Escalating Tensions in Belgrade: Police Clash with Anti-Government Demonstrators

In Belgrade, approximately 140,000 demonstrators clashed with police during a massive anti-government protest, demanding elections and accountability from President Vucic. Tensions escalated as authorities deployed tear gas against the crowd, resulting in numerous arrests and accusations against the protesters.

In Belgrade, Serbia, a large demonstration consisting of around 140,000 anti-government protesters turned violent as they clashed with police forces while calling for an early election and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. This protest marks one of the most significant turnouts in recent months, reflecting growing frustration among citizens, particularly students, who have been actively mobilizing against the populist government. The crowd's chants of "We want elections!" echoed throughout the capital.

The situation intensified with the police employing tear gas and stun grenades, leading to dozens of arrests, as authorities responded to the mounting unrest. Vucic has attributed these protests to foreign conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the nation, claiming on Instagram that “they wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed.” On Friday, the Higher Court in Belgrade reported that five individuals were detained for allegedly plotting a government overthrow.

Following the clashes, Serbia’s police minister condemned the violence and promised swift actions against those identified as instigators. Years of protests, which stemmed from widespread dissatisfaction with government corruption, have shaken Vucic's administration, especially in light of the impending parliamentary elections scheduled for 2027.

Among the protesters was Sladjana Lojanovic, a farmer from Sid, who expressed support for the student movement, emphasizing the pervasive corruption and calling for elections as a viable solution. Despite mounting pressure, Vucic has previously dismissed the possibility of snap elections, asserting that his Progressive Party controls the majority of the parliamentary seats.

Opposition groups have long criticized Vucic for alleged connections to organized crime, censorship of media, and violence against rivals, all claims he steadfastly denies. Furthermore, Vucic's ties to Russia and Serbia's refusal to join European sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine have raised eyebrows, especially with Serbia vying for EU membership.

The protests, which originally ignited after the tragic collapse of Novi Sad railway station's roof that resulted in 16 fatalities, continue to garner support from various sectors of society, including students, opposition groups, teachers, and farmers. As the recent rally concluded, organizers urged attendees to "take freedom into your own hands," signaling a call to action with a warning that any escalation would be the government's responsibility for failing to heed the people's demands.