BELGRADE, SERBIA – Tensions have escalated in Serbia as long-standing anti-government protests turned violent, resulting in dozens of injuries. Clashes broke out on Tuesday evening between demonstrators and supporters of the government, marking a significant escalation after over nine months of persistent demonstrations against populist President Aleksandar Vučić.
The initial and most intense skirmishes were reported in the town of Vrbas, northwest of the capital, Belgrade. Riot police were deployed to separate the opposing groups outside the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). In Belgrade, riot police intervened to push back protesters who had gathered in the city center.
The wave of student-led protests began in November 2024 following the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Protesters accuse Vučić, who has been in power for 13 years, of stifling democratic freedoms and fostering a climate of corruption.
Escalating Tensions and Demands
The recent violence follows a new strategy by President Vučić’s supporters to organize counter-demonstrations, a move that has fueled fears of violent confrontations. Protesters maintain that they were attacked first by government supporters.
The core demands of the protesters, led by university students, include a call for an early parliamentary election, which President Vučić has so far refused. They are also demanding the resignation of Interior Minister Ivica Dacic over the recent violence at demonstrations.
Serbia is currently a candidate for European Union membership, but under Vučić’s leadership, the nation has also maintained strong ties with Russia and China.