Large Demonstration Shakes Serbia’s Populist Government

Approximately 140,000 protesters gathered Saturday evening in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, in the largest protest yet against the country’s populist government.

The demonstrators are demanding early elections in response to a fatal train station collapse in November last year, which claimed 16 lives. The tragedy has become a symbol of the government’s alleged incompetence and deeply rooted corruption.

A City in Uproar

The demonstration began peacefully in Belgrade’s main square but quickly escalated into violent clashes with the police.

According to Independent Protest Monitor, up to 140,000 people participated, while police estimated the crowd at 36,000.

“We want elections!” chanted the crowd as protesters waved Serbian flags and banners with city names from across the country.

Police Handling Under Fire

The unrest escalated when protesters began throwing flares at the police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

Police Director Dragan Vasiljevic confirmed that batons were used after attacks on officers but denied the use of “chemical agents” to disperse the crowd.

Ultimatum Unanswered

Before the protest, organizers had issued an ultimatum to President Aleksandar Vucic to call an election by 9 PM Saturday evening—a demand the president rejected well before the deadline.

As the protests subsided, a statement from the organizers urged citizens to “take freedom into their own hands.” They simultaneously held the government responsible for the situation’s radicalization and the escalation of violence.

Government’s Response

The government, led by Vucic, rejects the criticism and claims that the protests are orchestrated by foreign forces aiming to destabilize the country.

As recently as Friday, five individuals were arrested under suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.

Protesters vow to continue increasing pressure on the government, which so far refuses to yield to their demands.

The situation in Serbia appears far from resolved, and new protests are expected in the coming weeks.

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