Serbia is witnessing some of its largest anti-government protests in over a decade, with tens of thousands taking to the streets demanding snap elections and accountability from President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. (Reuters photo)
Huge protests were reported in Serbia over the weekend as demonstrators called for snap elections, while seeking government accountability and demanding justice. Here is what we know so far about what is happening in Serbia, why it matters and what we can expect next, based on reports published by DW, AFP and Reuters.
Protests began in December 2024, following the collapse of a roof at a train station in Novi Sad that reportedly killed at least 16 individuals. The disaster, which many attributed to corruption and substandard construction, was a defining moment of public outrage against President Aleksandar Vučić’s 12 years in power.
An estimated total of 140,000 Serbs gathered in the central Belgrade region on Saturday, demanding early polls. Later towards the evening, widespread clashes were reported between Serbian police and protesters. Reports suggest thousands blocked roads and bridges throughout the country on Sunday in a large-scale civil resistance movement.
Serbian demonstrators are demanding snap elections, the release of arrested protesters and the end to what they say is rampant corruption of the government. Many student leaders took on Instagram, reportedly saying, “This is not a time for withdrawal.”
Refusing to resign or hold early elections, President Vučić recently told a state broadcaster, “Serbia has won, and you cannot defeat Serbia by violence as some wanted.”
He has also called the protesters “terrorists”, while accusing “foreign powers” of fuelling unrest in Serbia.
Police cited 77 arrests after Saturday’s protests, with 38 remaining in detention. Authorities have claimed that protesters assaulted state institutions, but students and organisers blame the government for what they say is repression.
On Saturday evening, reports of flares, bottles and stones being hurled at the police emerged, with officers believed to have used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters. Meanwhile, Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dačić vowed that the police would use all their powers to curb “attacks”.
Organisers estimate the Saturday demonstration saw some 140,000 rally in Belgrade alone. The government, however, has maintained that it was 36,000. Blockades were reported Sunday night in a number of cities, with tents erected at intersections and trash cans used as barricades by students.
Even after a number of resignations from his cabinet earlier this year and increasing turmoil ever since, Vučić has asserted that there will be no elections before 2027.
Serbs from all sections of society—from students to teachers and from farmers to civil society organizations—have all joined the opposition parties for nationwide demonstrations in recent days.
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More public displays of resistance are expected in the coming days as organisers are reportedly planning more protests so as to escalate demonstrations unless demands are met.
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