In Belgrade, a massive protest, with around 140,000 attendees, has erupted into violent confrontations between demonstrators and police. The unrest, fueled by demands for early elections and an end to President Vucic's tenure, reflects increasing frustration over alleged government corruption and the administration's close ties to organized crime.
Major Protests Erupt in Belgrade as Citizens Demand Change
Major Protests Erupt in Belgrade as Citizens Demand Change
Clashes between Serbian police and a significant anti-government protest mark a pivotal moment in Serbia’s political landscape as calls for early elections intensify.
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Serbia, police clashed with an estimated 140,000 anti-government protesters in Belgrade. The demonstrators are calling for early elections and denouncing President Aleksandar Vucic's extended rule, which has lasted for over a decade. The recent turnout marks the largest crowd of demonstrators in several months, showcasing the mounting pressure on the populist government, particularly from student-led movements who have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
Protesters filled the streets chanting slogans like "We want elections!" as tensions boiled over. Riot police responded with tear gas and stun grenades, leading to numerous arrests among the crowd. In a statement, President Vucic portrayed the protesters as part of a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the nation, asserting his control through posts on social media.
As police intensified their response, including the detention of five individuals accused of plotting a government overthrow, the Serbian police minister condemned the violence exhibited by protesters and pledged that those responsible would face legal action. This incident is part of broader unrest that has roiled Serbia since last December, sparked by the tragic collapse of a railway station roof that killed 16 people—an incident many blame on systemic corruption.
Farmers, teachers, and students, rallying against what they perceive as a corrupt regime, voiced their concerns. One farmer remarked, "The institutions have been usurped... Elections are the solution." Meanwhile, President Vucic has resisted calls for snap elections, maintaining that his party controls a significant majority in parliament with 156 out of 250 seats.
Critics of Vucic have accused him and his allies of enmeshing themselves with organized crime, abusing power against opposition, and diminishing press freedoms—claims they vehemently deny. Despite Serbia’s aspiration for EU membership, Vucic's administration has maintained close ties with Russia and refrained from joining the sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
As the protests wrapped up, organizers implored participants to "take freedom into your own hands," emphasizing that the government's inability to meet the people's demands had catalyzed the unrest. They warned that any further escalation of the situation would be a consequence of governmental repression.
