Unrest against the administration of Vucic intensifies in Serbia
In the heart of Eastern Europe, the ongoing protests in Serbia have been a focal point for over nine months, with the latest demonstrations in Belgrade attracting around 140,000 people demanding new elections in the country. The catalyst for these protests was a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which claimed the lives of 16 individuals and was widely seen as a result of government corruption and institutional failure.
The initial peaceful protests, primarily led by students, have unfortunately escalated into violence. This escalation occurred in August 2025, following provocations involving hooligan groups allegedly sent by the government to confront demonstrators. As a result, clashes ensued, leading to injuries on both sides, arrests, and significant property damage to the Serbian Progressive Party’s premises in Novi Sad.
The government's response has been a mix of repression and limited attempts at dialogue. President Aleksandar Vucic accused the protesters of trying to "burn alive" his supporters and warned of potentially declaring a state of emergency. The Interior Minister described the protests as no longer peaceful but an attack on the state, justifying police intervention and arrests. However, facing growing domestic and international pressure, Vucic also offered to engage in public discussions with representatives of the protesters in an attempt to defuse tensions and restore control.
Critics accuse the government of corruption as the underlying cause for the ongoing protests. Independent experts and opposition figures blame shoddy workmanship and corruption under the Vucic government for the train station tragedy. The clashes in Novi Sad involved the exchange of flares and other objects between the two groups, with police using tear gas in response to the scuffles in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
In northern Serbian villages Vrbas and Backa Palanka, supporters of President Vucic's SNS party attacked government-critical demonstrators the day before, without police intervention. In numerous cities, there were scuffles between anti-government protesters, Vucic supporters, and police. These incidents have resulted in injuries to 64 civilians and five military police officers in Novi Sad alone.
President Vucic, in response to the attacks on his party headquarters, thanked "wonderful simple people" who had protected the SNS party headquarters from "crazy blockaders." However, the clashes have raised concerns about the potential for further violence and civil unrest in the country.
These protests represent the most serious challenge to Vucic since his rise to power in 2012, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with authoritarian governance and democratic decline in Serbia. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate this complex and challenging period in the nation's history.
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