In the heart of Belgrade, Serbian police clashed with an estimated 140,000 anti-government demonstrators who are demanding early elections and calling for an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's long-standing rule. This gathering marks one of the largest turnouts for protests in recent months, fueled primarily by students and opposition groups. The crowd's chants of "We want elections!" echoed through the capital, demonstrating widespread discontent with the government.
As tensions rose, riot police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to control the situation, resulting in numerous arrests. Vucic has dismissed the protests, claiming they are driven by foreign interests aimed at destabilizing the nation. On social media, he asserted, "They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed."
During Friday’s events, five individuals were detained under allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, according to Serbia's Higher Court. Following the clashes, the police minister condemned the violence, vowing that those responsible would face consequences.
Months of protests, sparked by a tragic disaster in November that claimed 16 lives during the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station, have increasingly pressured Vucic's government. Activist Sladjana Lojanovic expressed her frustrations, noting the rampant corruption: "The institutions have been usurped... Elections are the solution, but I don't think he (Vucic) will want to go peacefully."
Despite calls for snap elections, Vucic's Progressive Party, which holds a commanding majority in parliament, has resisted such moves. The opposition has criticized the administration for alleged ties to organized crime and suppression of media freedoms. Amid ongoing unrest, the protest organizers have urged citizens to "take freedom into your own hands," echoing a sentiment of rising frustration and determination for political change. The demonstrators accuse the government of opting for violence against its citizens instead of addressing their concerns, placing the blame for any potential escalation directly on the authorities.
