Serbian Police Clash With Protesters Demanding Elections and End to Vučić’s Rule
Serbian police have clashed with anti-government demonstrators calling for snap elections and the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić, who has held power for 12 years.
On Saturday, police in riot gear were deployed around key government buildings, parliament, and Pionirski Park in central Belgrade, where crowds of Vučić supporters held a counter-rally.
Tensions escalated after the main protest ended around 10pm. A group of demonstrators, seeking to confront pro-government supporters, began throwing bottles, rocks, and flares at police. Officers used force to disperse the crowd across several city locations.
Multiple Arrests and Injuries Reported
According to Police Director Dragan Vasiljević, several dozen protesters were detained, and six police officers were injured during the clashes.
Protesters were heard chanting, “Keep the shields down,” urging police to refrain from further confrontation.
President Vučić responded via Instagram, accusing demonstrators of trying to destabilize the country.
“They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed,” he said.
Escalation Draws Student Condemnation
Student groups, active in months-long protests, blamed the government for inciting violence.
“They chose violence and repression. Every escalation is their responsibility,” read a statement on the X social platform.
Interior Minister Ivica Dačić defended the police response, stating that officers would use all legal powers to restore order and detain those responsible for attacking law enforcement.
Protests Highlight Deepening Discontent
The anti-government movement, which began in December, includes students, teachers, farmers, and workers. It was sparked by a tragic roof collapse at a Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people. Protesters cite corruption and mismanagement as root causes.
Opposition figures accuse Vučić’s administration of links to organized crime, political violence, and media censorship — claims the government denies.
Though protesters have pledged non-violence, the government has refused calls for early elections, with the next vote scheduled in 2027. Vučić’s ruling coalition currently controls 156 out of 250 parliamentary seats.
Vučić Points to Foreign Influence
Earlier on Saturday, Vučić claimed the protests were influenced by unnamed foreign powers, saying that while police should show restraint, violence would not be tolerated.
“The country will be defended, and thugs will face justice,” he warned.
Public Voices and Historical Backdrop
Supporters of the protests included people from across Serbia. One participant, Sladjana Lojanovic, a farmer from Šid, said:
“The institutions have been hijacked, and corruption is rampant. We need elections, but I doubt Vučić will step down willingly.”
Authorities have arrested over a dozen activists in recent days, charging them with terrorism and undermining the constitution — allegations they deny.
The rally coincided with St. Vitus Day, a significant date in Serbian history marking the 1389 Battle of Kosovo — further intensifying the symbolism behind the demonstrations.
