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Tensions soared in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, as an estimated 140,000 protesters gathered on Saturday demanding early elections and the end of President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. The large-scale demonstration, driven largely by student activists, turned confrontational with clashes between protesters and police, highlighting growing public dissatisfaction with the populist government. The unrest has put increased pressure on Vucic’s administration as the country faces mounting demands for political change.
I. The Protests and Government Response
1. Unprecedented Turnout and Clashes
Saturday’s protest saw a massive crowd rallying in Belgrade’s streets, chanting “We want elections!” in unison. It was the largest demonstration in recent months, fueled by widespread frustration over governance issues. The protests escalated into violent confrontations, with riot police deploying tear gas and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators. Authorities arrested dozens of protesters amid the unrest, signaling a hardening stance by the government.
2. President Vucic’s Accusations and Crackdown
President Aleksandar Vucic responded by accusing the protestors of being pawns in a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Serbia. On his Instagram, he claimed, “They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed.” Just the day before, five individuals were detained under suspicion of plotting a government overthrow, according to Serbia’s Higher Court. Following the clashes, the police minister condemned the violence, vowing to apprehend those responsible for unrest.
II. Public Sentiment and Political Context
1. Citizen Voices Demand Change
Among the demonstrators was Sladjana Lojanovic, a 37-year-old farmer from the northern town of Sid. She voiced a common sentiment, emphasizing the erosion of institutions and widespread corruption. “Elections are the solution, but I don’t think he [Vucic] will go peacefully,” she told Reuters, reflecting a growing distrust in the regime’s willingness to relinquish power voluntarily.
2. Vucic’s Firm Grip on Power
Despite mounting protests, Vucic has refused calls for snap elections. His Progressive Party-led coalition currently holds a commanding majority in parliament with 156 of 250 seats. Critics accuse him and his allies of links to organized crime, corruption, silencing dissent, and restricting media freedom—all allegations the government denies. Vucic’s alignment with Russia further complicates Serbia’s geopolitical stance, especially as the country pursues European Union membership but remains outside Western sanctions against Moscow following the Ukraine invasion.
III. Origins and Impact of the Protests
1. Triggers for Public Outrage
The demonstrations, which began last December, were ignited by a tragic incident on November 1 when the roof of the Novi Sad railway station collapsed, killing 16 people. Many citizens blame government corruption and negligence for the disaster. The fallout from the tragedy prompted the resignation of Serbia’s former prime minister, intensifying calls for political accountability.
2. Broad-Based Coalition of Protesters
The movement is diverse, drawing in students, opposition figures, teachers, workers, and farmers united in their demand for change. The student-led protests have been particularly instrumental in sustaining momentum, including shutting down universities to pressure the government.
IV. Calls for Action and Government Accountability
1. Organizers Urge Radical Action
As the protest concluded, organizers addressed the crowd with a powerful message encouraging Serbians to “take freedom into your own hands” and signaling a readiness to escalate the movement if demands remain unmet. Their statement criticized the authorities for choosing violence and repression over dialogue and reform, placing responsibility for potential escalation squarely on the government.
2. Uncertain Political Future
President Vucic’s current term is set to end in 2027, when parliamentary elections are also scheduled. Yet, the scale and persistence of protests underscore growing impatience with the status quo. Whether the government will respond with reforms or further crackdowns remains to be seen, but the message from the streets is clear: many Serbians want change—and they want it now.
Conclusion
Serbia stands at a critical juncture as record-breaking protests confront a long-standing regime accused of corruption, repression, and unfulfilled promises. The massive turnout in Belgrade and the determined voices of citizens across the country reflect deep-rooted dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. Despite threats of foreign interference and forceful police responses, the protesters’ demands for early elections and political accountability grow louder. How the government navigates this crisis will shape Serbia’s democratic future and its path toward European integration.
