Serbian riot police clashed with thousands of anti-government protesters in Belgrade on Saturday. The demonstrators are demanding immediate elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. This protest follows months of ongoing demonstrations, primarily led by university students, who have been challenging Vucic’s authority.
The protest took place in central Belgrade, particularly in Slavija Square, where the crowd chanted slogans like "We want elections!" Students spoke out, with one anonymous speaker declaring, "Elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the deeds of the government." She went on to label the current authorities as illegitimate.
Tensions were palpable as riot police were stationed around key government buildings and nearby Pionirski Park, where Vucic’s supporters have been camping for months. As the protest progressed, some demonstrators resorted to throwing bottles, rocks, and flares at the police, who were blocking access to the park. This led to skirmishes that lasted several hours, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds in various areas of the city center.
Authorities reported that several dozen protesters were detained, and six police officers sustained injuries during the clashes. Dragan Vasiljevic, the director of police, confirmed these details in a news conference later that evening. In response to the violence, President Vucic posted on Instagram, stating, "Serbia always wins in the end."
The protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction following a tragic incident last November, when a collapsed rail station canopy killed 16 people. Many citizens blame the government for corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects, igniting a series of demonstrations that have persisted for nearly eight months.
Despite the government’s refusal to call for early elections, the turnout at Saturday’s protest suggests that public discontent remains strong. While official police figures estimated 36,000 attendees, independent monitors reported the number to be around 140,000. Serbia’s next presidential and parliamentary elections are not scheduled until 2027, leaving many citizens feeling frustrated and unheard.
Vucic, who has been in power for over a decade, is accused by critics of becoming increasingly authoritarian. Although he claims to support Serbia’s EU aspirations, many argue that he has undermined democratic freedoms while strengthening ties with Russia and China. The recent protests highlight a persistent demand for change in a country grappling with political turmoil and public unrest.