Mass protests have erupted across Serbia as opposition groups rally against President Aleksandar Vučić, who faces accusations of ties to organized crime, violence against rivals, and curbing media freedoms. That was the sad roof collapse at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1 that killed 16 people. In the aftermath of this calamity, that anger has only increased and spread.
Since these protests began last December, the protests have been joined by a broad, cross-class coalition of students, teachers, workers, and farmers. Demonstrators are demanding snap elections and the end of Vučić’s 12-year rule by 2024. In the face of these demands, President Vučić has repeatedly refused to call for early elections, deepening anger among his opponents.
Clashes Between Police and Protesters
The protests escalated into violence during recent days, making for a chaotic scene as police faced off against angry demonstrators. Ignoring calls for restraint, authorities detained several dozen peaceful protesters, while six police officers suffered injuries in clashes. Dragan Vasiljević, the director of police, acknowledged the injuries and detentions, bringing further attention to the personal risk activists face as tensions continue to rise around the protests.
The police, dealing with a rapidly escalating situation, panicked and withdrew. They sent thousands of officers in riot gear to surround all major government buildings, including the parliament building and Pionirski Park. This instillation of military might was to ensure the peace during the protests and deter any further unrest.
“They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed.” – Aleksandar Vučić
President Vučić has denounced the protesters’ efforts, claiming they are trying to overthrow the government and destabilize the nation. He warned that there are “consequences” for those who jeopardize public safety, promising action on violators.
Accusations Against the Government
The anger fuelling these protests runs deeper, with grave charges directed against Vučić and his government. Critics have charged that he created the conditions for organized crime to expand their violent campaigns and repressed opposition voices through intimidation and persecution. Opponents say these actions further threaten democracy in Serbia, including numerous activists who have organized to demand accountability and reform.
Native, Environmental and Black Lives Matter protesters are taking to the streets and expressing their anger. They feel that the government is opting for violence and repression rather than engaging in dialogue. These sentiments were reiterated by student activists who, while wishing for peaceful protest, understood that the government’s iron-fisted response had drowned out all other forms of dissent.
“They … opted for violence and repression against the people. Every radicalisation of the situation is their responsibility.” – Students (via X social network)
Nationwide protests have increased, attracting hundreds of thousands of citizens who reject Vučić’s autocratic government. The size and frequency of these demonstrations only seem to increase as each demonstration propels the movement forward.
The Road Ahead
The political situation in Serbia is still very fluid. President Vučić’s current term is due to expire in 2027, with parliamentary elections already planned for that year. Pro-democracy opposition organizations are intent on returning voters to the polls for snap elections amid a backdrop of persistent harms.
While the chaos unfolded, President Vučić went on social media with an unprecedented move. In a post on Instagram, he declared that “thugs will face justice,” reinforcing his stance against the protests and vowing to maintain order.
“The country will be defended and thugs will face justice.” – Aleksandar Vučić
