Multitudes assemble in colossal demonstration against the Serbian administration, voicing discontent over corruption allegations
Biggest Anti-government Rally in Serbia's Balkan Capital
Saturday saw a massive outpouring of discontent in Belgrade, as tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. This rally marked the latest chapter in a series of anti-corruption protests that have been shaking Vucic's 13-year iron grip on power.
A cacophony of whistles and vuvuzelas filled the Serbian capital, which was on high alert for the event, as people flocked towards several designated protest venues. Some demonstrators carried banners proclaiming "He's Finished!", while others took up the rallying cry "Pump it Up", a slogan that gained traction during the four-month-long student-led protests.
This rally is believed to be the biggest anti-government demonstration ever held in this Balkan country. Milenko Kovacevic, a protester, expressed his expectations, saying, "I expect that this will shake his authority, and Vucic will realize that people are no longer for him."
Tensions ran high amidst reports of a man ramming his car into protesters in a Belgrade suburb, injuring three people. Ahead of the demonstration, Vucic repeatedly warned of alleged plans for unrest while threatening arrests and harsh sentences for any incidents. In an attempt to deter people from attending the rally, Belgrade city transport was canceled, and the city roads leading into the capital were choked with cars. The transport company claimed the cancellations were made "for security reasons."
On Friday night, tens of thousands welcomed the students who had marched or cycled for days from various parts of Serbia, converging on Belgrade for the main rally on Saturday afternoon. Since early morning, people had been assembling in different parts of the city, preparing to march towards the center.
As the rally progressed, fears of clashes grew, with Vucic's supporters setting up camp in central Belgrade outside his headquarters. The crowd consisted of ex-members of a notorious paramilitary unit involved in the assassination of Serbia's first democratic prime minister, Zoran Djindjic, in 2003, as well as soccer hooligans known for causing violence. Reportedly, private N1 television broadcast footage of dozens of young men with baseball caps heading into the pro-Vucic camp.
According to Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, 13 people were detained overnight, but no major incidents were reported on Friday. He also mentioned that police detained six opposition activists for allegedly plotting a coup and instigating unrest on Saturday.
The university students have been the driving force behind the nationwide anti-graft movement, which began after a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Serbia's north, killing 15 people on November 1. Many in Serbia blame the tragedy on rampant government corruption, negligence, and disregard for construction safety regulations.
Vucic has attempted to deflect responsibility, claiming that Western intelligence services were behind the daily student-led protests with the aim to oust him from power. However, the students have touched a nerve among disillusioned citizens who have lost faith in state institutions. Previous student-led rallies in other Serbian cities have been peaceful, drawing large crowds.
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Anti-Corruption Protests in Belgrade: Key Figures, Tensions, and Political Impact
Key Figures:- Tens of Thousands: Estimated number of protesters participating in the anti-corruption rally in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. This marked the biggest anti-government demonstration held in Serbia since 2003.
Tensions:- Fear of Violence: Reports of a man ramming his car into protesters in Belgrade suburb increased tensions amidst the anti-corruption rally. The presence of Vucic's supporters, including ex-paramilitary members and soccer hooligans, further exacerbated the tensions.
Political Impact:- Challenge to Vucic's Authority: The protests mark a significant challenge to Vucic's 13-year rule, indicating deepening public distrust in his government and governance.- Potential for Future Protests: The success of these protests may embolden further anti-government movements, potentially leading to more significant changes in Serbian politics.- A Test for Democratic Institutions: The Vucic administration is facing criticism for canceling public transport and alleged detentions of opposition activists ahead of the protest, raising concerns about democratic institutions in Serbia.
- The massive anti-corruption rally in Belgrade on March 15, 2025, was believed to be the biggest anti-government demonstration held in Serbia since 2003, attracting tens of thousands of protesters from across the world.
- Amidst the ongoing anti-corruption protests, tensions ran high in the European city of Belgrade, with fears of violence escalating after a man allegedly rammed his car into protesters in a suburb, injuring three people.
- As the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, faces challenges to his 13-year iron grip on power, these anti-government rallies pose a significant test for the democratic institutions of Europe and Serbia, with concerns raised about potential suppression of opposition activism.
