Thousands of people took to the streets in Serbia, protesting against the government after recent clashes between police and demonstrators. The unrest followed a significant rally in Belgrade, where many voiced their demand for early elections. This demonstration is part of a larger wave of protests that have been ongoing for months, fueled by public frustration with the government.
Late Sunday into early Monday, protesters set up blockades across various locations in Belgrade. They used metal fences and garbage containers to block roads, including a major bridge over the Sava River. In the northern city of Novi Sad, some protesters threw eggs at the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
The protests were sparked by the arrest of numerous participants from a large student-led rally on Saturday. Many of those arrested are university students accused of attacking police or plotting to overthrow the government. Protesters are demanding their release.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic responded to the protests by accusing the organizers of inciting violence. He warned that more arrests would follow, claiming the protests were causing "terror." Clashes broke out after the official rally ended, with police using pepper spray and batons while protesters retaliated by throwing rocks and bottles.
Critics of Vucic argue that he has become increasingly authoritarian during his time in power. He has served as prime minister and now president, with accusations of stifling democratic freedoms and allowing corruption to thrive. Vucic denies these claims.
The recent demonstrations were among the largest in a series of protests that began after a tragic roof collapse at a train station in Novi Sad last November, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people. This incident was largely attributed to corruption. Following the disaster, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned, but the ruling party remained in power, with Vucic continuing as president.
While officials estimated the crowd size at 36,000, independent sources suggested it was closer to 140,000. During the clashes, 48 police officers were injured, and 22 protesters required medical attention. Out of 77 people arrested, 38 are still in custody, facing criminal charges.
Protest organizers had previously issued an ultimatum for Vucic to call for elections, a demand he has consistently rejected. After the rally, they encouraged participants to "take freedom into your own hands." Vucic, however, reiterated that there would be no national elections before the end of 2026.
Vucic has also suggested that the protests are part of a foreign plot against his government, though he has not provided evidence to support this claim. As Serbia seeks European Union membership, the government maintains close ties with Russia and China, complicating its political landscape. The situation remains tense as protests continue across the country.