Thousands of people gathered in the central Serbian city of Kraljevo on Sunday, maintaining pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić a day after he announced plans to step down within weeks and call early elections.
While many protesters welcomed the prospect of his resignation, doubts remain about whether he will fully relinquish power after more than a decade at the top of Serbian politics.
“I cannot imagine that he will step down and leave power to someone else,” said Marko Djokic, an IT expert who returned to his hometown to join the rallies.
Analysts say Vučić could attempt to retain influence by shifting roles, potentially running for prime minister while placing an ally in the presidency.
The uncertainty has fuelled continued demonstrations, with protesters determined to press for deeper structural change rather than a simple leadership reshuffle.
The unrest stems from a fatal incident in late 2024, when a concrete awning collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, killing 16 people. The tragedy quickly became a symbol of what many view as government mismanagement and corruption.
In the months since, student-led protests have grown into the largest demonstrations seen in Serbia since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.
Vučić has denied allegations of corruption linked to the incident.
In Kraljevo, demonstrators gathered in a central square despite high temperatures, waving Serbian flags and carrying banners reading “Students are winning”.
“We cannot go on like this, things need to change,” said Ilija Cordasic, who travelled from the northeastern city of Zrenjanin to take part.
Others framed the protests in broader terms. “This is not just a political struggle but a fight between good and evil,” said Jelena Danicic, a Serbian-language professor.
Events in Serbia are being closely watched internationally. Both the European Union and Russia have an interest in the country’s political direction, reflecting its strategic position in the region.
The EU has raised concerns over the treatment of protesters, as well as issues around press freedom and judicial independence. Serbia is a candidate for EU membership but has yet to meet key conditions related to the rule of law and governance.
Belgrade has long pursued a balancing act in its foreign policy, maintaining close ties with Russia and China while also seeking closer integration with the EU.
Progress towards EU membership will depend on reforms, including tackling corruption, ensuring free and fair elections, and normalising relations with Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008.
For many protesters, the coming weeks will be critical. While Vučić’s pledge to step down represents a significant shift, it has not ended the movement pushing for broader political change.
As rallies continue, demonstrators are signalling that they will remain on the streets until they see what they consider meaningful reform, raising the stakes for Serbia’s political future.
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia have signed a new defence industry agreement in Doha, bringing existing military projects under a share...
Georgia's Constitutional Court has begun hearing a landmark case that could see five opposition parties banned following a legal challenge by t...
Türkiye has welcomed Libya's parliamentary approval of a disputed maritime agreement, despite strong opposition from the European Union, w...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Norway for talks about the Russia-Ukraine war. He is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who arrived in Oslo earlier. Witkoff will also meet European officials.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said regional issues should be resolved through diplomacy and blamed the United States for insecurity and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, speaking at a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, with discussions focused on the war in Ukraine and the prospects for progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
French authorities imposed local curfews in parts of Paris, Lille and Nice on Monday after a weekend of riots and looting linked to nationwide anti-government protests, as the government faced mounting criticism over security failures.
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia have signed a new defence industry agreement in Doha, bringing existing military projects under a shared framework as Turkish defence exports reach record highs.
British PM Andy Burnham has rejected calls to reconsider the UK’s ban on Palestine Action, insisting that the decision was based on evidence and had undergone parliamentary scrutiny. He said on Wednesday that he would not comment further while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired American teacher from Michigan held for more than four years after being detained by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, with discussions focused on the war in Ukraine and the prospects for progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The European Union has unveiled a new Arctic strategy to bolster regional security, with plans to expand satellite surveillance, protect undersea infrastructure and help member states acquire more icebreakers.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment