Over 140,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Belgrade, clashing with police in a significant protest fueled by frustrations over government corruption and a demand for early elections as tensions rise against the backdrop of political instability.
Major Protests Erupt in Belgrade as Citizens Demand Political Change
Major Protests Erupt in Belgrade as Citizens Demand Political Change
Thousands of protesters in Serbia's capital rallied against President Vucic, calling for early elections and an end to his prolonged rule.
Serbian police faced off with a massive crowd of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, where citizens expressed their frustration with President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year reign. Approximately 140,000 demonstrators filled the streets on Saturday, marking the largest protest in recent months, driven by calls for early elections and an end to what many see as autocratic rule. The crowd, predominantly led by students, proclaimed unity through chants of "We want elections!"
Tensions escalated as riot police employed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters, resulting in numerous arrests. Vucic responded to the protests by alleging that the demonstrators were part of a foreign conspiracy aiming to destabilize Serbia. He stated on social media, "They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed." Meanwhile, the country's judicial system detained five individuals on accusations of attempting to orchestrate a government overthrow, according to a statement from Serbia's Higher Court.
In a show of solidarity, participants expressed concerns over corruption and the compromised state of public institutions. Sladjana Lojanovic, a local farmer, voiced her support for the student-led protests, asserting that elections could provide a solution, though casting doubt on Vucic's willingness to step down peacefully. Despite mounting pressure, the president previously dismissed calls for snap elections, with his Progressive Party commanding a majority in the parliament.
Critics have repeatedly accused Vucic of fostering an environment rife with corruption and muzzling media freedoms, allegations that his administration vehemently denies. With Serbia pursuing EU membership, Vucic has maintained connections to Russia, notably declining to implement Western sanctions in response to the Ukraine conflict.
The protests gained momentum after a tragic incident last November, where 16 lives were lost due to a catastrophic failure at the Novi Sad railway station, leading to widespread anger over systemic corruption. Following the protests, organizers appealed to citizens to "take freedom into your own hands" and affirmed that the government's violent response had escalated tensions unnecessarily. They maintained that the authorities had ample opportunity to address the protesters' grievances before resorting to force.
