Serbia Anti-Government Protest Clashes

Serbian police clashed with an estimated 140,000 anti-government protesters in Belgrade demanding early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. Riot police used tear gas and stun grenades; dozens were arrested, and authorities condemned protester violence. Vucic alleged a foreign-backed plot and rejected snap elections; his coalition holds a strong parliamentary majority. The protests—driven by students and supported by various social groups—intensified after a deadly Novi Sad station roof collapse in November, which demonstrators blame on corruption and which led to the prime minister’s resignation. Organizers accused the government of repression and said any further escalation is its responsibility, while Serbia’s ties to Russia and stalled EU-aligned reforms provide broader political context.

Around 140,000 people rallied in Belgrade, the largest turnout in months of student-led protests demanding early elections and accountability after a Novi Sad train station roof collapse in November killed 16 people, a tragedy blamed on corruption. Demonstrations, largely peaceful until now, saw clashes with riot police using batons and reportedly tear gas and stun grenades; dozens were detained and several injured. Organizers issued an ultimatum for President Aleksandar Vucic to call elections, accusing authorities of repression and warning of further radicalization. The government denies wrongdoing, labels the movement foreign-backed, and continues arrests ahead of major rallies, while a reshuffled cabinet remains in power despite the prime minister’s resignation.

Tens of thousands protested in Belgrade demanding snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule, following months of student-led demonstrations sparked by a deadly infrastructure collapse blamed on corruption. Clashes erupted as riot police blocked access to areas where Vucic supporters were camped; officers used tear gas, detained several dozen people, and reported six injured police. Authorities estimated 36,000 attendees, while an independent group put the crowd at about 140,000. Vucic, accused by critics of authoritarianism and deepening ties with Russia and China, rejected early elections, saying “Serbia always wins in the end.” Regular elections are scheduled for 2027.