Serbian President Vucic Says Protests Aim to Destabilize Government; Clashes Erupt in Belgrade

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade on Saturday for an anti-government rally organized by university students. " The main rally at Slavija Square concluded without incident. Shortly afterward, smaller groups of young protesters threw flares, rocks, bottles, and trash cans at police lines near a park camp set up by supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic.

Riot police responded with pepper spray and advanced to disperse the groups. Officers positioned anti-riot vehicles to block demonstrators from returning to the area, and the violence ended within a short time. Serbia's state railway company canceled all trains to and from Belgrade on Saturday. Officials said the measure was intended to limit travel from other parts of the country.

The protests began more than a year ago after a November 2024 train station canopy collapse in northern Serbia that killed 16 people. Demonstrators accuse authorities of corruption-linked negligence in the renovation project. " Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty issued a report this week criticizing Serbia's handling of demonstrations and said he would monitor the situation closely.

He referenced reports of police protecting masked attackers of journalists and protesters. Students are demanding early elections and greater accountability. Vucic has indicated that parliamentary elections could be held between September and November this year.