Over 100,000 demonstrators gathered in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, marking what is expected to be the largest in a series of anti-corruption protests that have shaken the Balkan nation in recent months.
This movement was sparked by the tragic collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad last November, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, escalating existing frustrations over alleged corruption and inadequate oversight in construction practices.
In the weeks that followed, student-led protesters have traversed the nation, organizing rallies in key cities throughout Serbia.
Furthermore, they have extended their anti-corruption campaign into the rural regions and smaller towns that have historically supported President Aleksandar Vučić.
People enthusiastically welcomed students, cyclists, runners, and walkers arriving from cities across Serbia.
Similar to previous demonstrations, this protest represented a diverse section of society, uniting individuals from both the far-left and far-right.
Amidst a sea of Serbian flags, some attendees waved banners advocating for environmental protection, while others called for the reinstatement of Kosovo, a former breakaway province.
“We have come to the streets to voice our profound dissatisfaction after years of dictatorship, lawlessness, and corruption,” stated Ognjen Djordjevic, a 28-year-old Belgrade resident.
‘Incidents and Clashes’
At one point, the crowd extended nearly 2 kilometers, filling the streets surrounding the parliament and the capital’s main pedestrian square.
The interior ministry later reported that at least 107,000 individuals were present.
After hours of largely peaceful demonstration, police indicated that there were some “incidents and clashes among certain participants” in the protests.
The protests have grown to encompass a wide-ranging segment of Serbian society.
At approximately 7:20 PM (6:20 PM Irish time), a prominent student organization urged all protesters to evacuate the area near the parliament, citing security concerns due to reports of bottles and stones being thrown.
President Vučić’s office announced that he would address the nation around 10 PM local time (9 PM Irish time).
The scattered incidents heightened concerns about potential confrontations with supporters of Vučić’s beleaguered government, who had also gathered in the capital.
‘I Will Not Be Pressured’
In the days leading up to the protest, ultranationalists, militia members, and alleged football hooligans camped near the parliament and presidency.
Prior to the protest, layers of riot police were deployed around the encampments and the parliament area.
Yesterday, President Vučić delivered a resolute message on national television as demonstrators began arriving in the city, pledging not to yield in the face of widespread protests.
“To be clear, I will not be pressured,” stated Mr. Vučić in his address.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić assured that he would not resign.
“I am the president of Serbia, and I won’t allow the streets to dictate the rules in this country.”
He urged all parties to abstain from violence and instructed law enforcement to exercise restraint.
Last night, thousands took to the streets of Belgrade to greet student protesters who had journeyed to the capital after several days of marching from various Serbian cities.
“There absolutely won’t be any violence here because we have all come with the same purpose—to wait for those who marched, the individuals who are liberating Serbia,” remarked Tijana Djuric, a 20-year-old student at the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade.
‘Regime Escalating Tensions’
Some analysts had previously cautioned that the situation might escalate.
“We have already observed over the past few days that the regime is attempting to heighten tensions,” commented political analyst Srđan Cvijić.
“It is constructing a façade of support in front of the presidency with pro-government demonstrators who are paid.”
Government-affiliated media have broadcast increasingly provocative accusations, alleging that the students are plotting a “coup,” with Mr. Vučić claiming that the demonstrators are organizing “large-scale violence.”
