A record-breaking crowd of approximately 140,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday, marking the largest anti-government protest in Serbia in recent months. Led largely by students, the protestors demanded early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. Chants of “We want elections!” echoed through the city as riot police clashed with the crowd, deploying tear gas and stun grenades. Dozens of people were arrested during the violent confrontation.
Vucic Blames Foreign Plot as Corruption and Distrust Fuel Nationwide Public Anger
President Vucic responded defiantly, accusing protestors of being part of a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Serbia. In a social media post, he claimed the attempt to “topple Serbia” had failed. A day before the protests, five individuals were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Meanwhile, the Interior Minister condemned the violence and pledged that those responsible would be held accountable.
Serbia Erupts in Record Protest as 140,000 Demand Vucic’s Resignation and Early Elections Amid UnrestWidespread frustration with corruption and perceived erosion of public institutions has been driving months of unrest. Protesters, including farmers, students, teachers, and workers, have consistently expressed anger at the government’s failure to maintain transparency and democratic processes. Many blame corruption for the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad last November, which killed 16 people and forced the resignation of the former prime minister.
Opposition Demands Change as Vucic Clings to Power Amid Growing Public Unrest
Despite mounting pressure, President Vucic has refused to call early elections. His Serbian Progressive Party currently dominates parliament, holding 156 out of 250 seats. Critics accuse Vucic of authoritarianism, corruption, ties to organized crime, and suppressing media freedoms. While he denies these claims, the opposition continues to rally support, demanding a political shift and greater accountability from the ruling coalition.
As the Saturday protest concluded, organizers urged citizens to “take freedom into your own hands,” warning that the government had missed opportunities to resolve tensions peacefully. The organizers accused the authorities of choosing violence over dialogue, asserting that any further radicalization of the situation would be the state’s responsibility. With protests intensifying and political divisions deepening, Serbia faces a turbulent road ahead.
