Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
President Alexandar Vucic has maintained traditional good relations between Serbia and Russia, and his government refused to enact sanctions on Russia.
President Alexandar Vucic has maintained traditional good relations between Serbia and Russia, and his government refused to enact sanctions on Russia.
What is happening?
Serbian police clashed with anti-government demonstrators on Saturday night as protests escalated in central Belgrade, Reuters reports.
The unrest, demanding snap elections and the end of President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule, erupted into violence after hours of peaceful rallying.
Riot Police Line the Streets
Hundreds of officers in riot gear were stationed around key government buildings and parliament.
At the same time, large numbers of Vucic supporters flooded into the capital for a counter-demonstration, raising tensions further.
Clashes After Nightfall
Though the main protest wrapped up by 10 p.m., violence flared when some demonstrators hurled bottles, rocks, and flares at police.
Authorities responded forcefully, dispersing crowds at several city centre locations.
Chants Against Police Action
Protesters pleaded with law enforcement, shouting, “Keep the shields down,” urging them not to use force.
Despite this, dozens were arrested, and six officers were reported injured during the confrontations.
Vucic: “They Wanted to Topple Serbia”
President Vucic took to Instagram, claiming the protest aimed to destabilize the country.
“They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed,” he wrote.
Student Voices Blame the Government
Student groups blamed authorities for provoking violence.
In a post on X, they accused the state of choosing “repression against the people,” warning that any further radicalization is the government’s responsibility.
Government Promises Tough Measures
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic vowed to restore public order, saying police would use all powers necessary to repel attacks and arrest perpetrators.
Protests Fueled by Broader Discontent
Demonstrations have been growing since December, sparked by a tragic railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16.
Many blame government corruption and institutional decay for the disaster.
Vucic Alleges Foreign Interference
Earlier in the day, Vucic suggested foreign actors were behind the protests.
While advising police to show restraint, he warned that violence would be met with justice, calling demonstrators “thugs” in a televised statement.
A Divided Nation on St. Vitus Day
The protests coincided with St. Vitus Day, a major Serbian holiday commemorating the 1389 Battle of Kosovo.
Amid national reflection, the streets of Belgrade became a stage for a deepening divide over Serbia’s political future.
