In the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, and various other cities, protesters have engaged in confrontations with riot police as demonstrations against the administration of President Aleksandar Vucic continue for a fifth consecutive night.
On Saturday evening, tensions escalated when police intervened to block protesters from advancing towards the headquarters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). In Valjevo, a central city, thousands assembled to express their escalating frustration with the government. During this gathering, a group of masked youths vandalized the vacant offices of the SNS, igniting a fire.
As chaos ensued, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, hurling fireworks and rocks, while police responded with stun grenades and tear gas. Additional skirmishes were reported in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city.
These protests, which began after a tragic incident in November resulting from a collapsed railway station roof that claimed 16 lives, have transformed into a broader movement against systemic corruption in the Balkan nation. The incident has intensified calls for a transparent investigation and prompted demands for early elections.
At their peak, these protests attracted hundreds of thousands, demonstrating the widespread discontent. However, they turned violent earlier this week when groups of pro-government supporters—many disguised and some armed—launched attacks against demonstrators, leading to injuries on both sides.
Incidents have further fueled anger after footage emerged online showing police officers using batons against unarmed protesters. In response to allegations of police brutality, law enforcement has claimed that the protesters instigated the violence.
Despite the resignation of the prime minister and the fragility of his government, President Vucic remains resolute, dismissing calls for early elections and labeling the protests as part of a foreign conspiracy to destabilize his administration. The situation is unfolding as Serbia grapples with growing unrest and demands for accountability in 2025.