Belgrade sees mass protests as Serbians demand early elections and reform

Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Belgrade on Saturday, demanding snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule.

Belgrade witnessed a massive anti-government demonstration on Saturday, with students and anti-corruption activists leading calls for early elections and political reform. The protest, one of the largest in years, posed a growing challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic.

Police in riot gear surrounded government buildings and parliament as thousands of Vucic supporters staged a counter-protest nearby in Pionirski Park. The government loyalists included war veterans and bikers who have maintained street blockades in the capital for months.

Demonstrators waved Serbian flags, carried banners naming their hometowns, and sang the national anthem before speeches began.

"We hope for real change after decades of struggle," said Ljiljana Ilic from Valjevo.

Nikola Vukovic from Belgrade said the goal was clear. "We want to change Serbia and bring this government to an end. The next fight will be at the ballot box," he said.

Milica Ivanovic from Lajkovac expressed full support for the student movement. "We are here with strength and courage, standing with them in our hearts," she said.

The protests remained peaceful, with participants stressing non-violence. However, President Vucic warned of possible violence later in the day. Recent weeks have seen more than a dozen arrests as part of what critics call an ongoing crackdown on dissent.

Student organizers had issued an ultimatum, demanding that Vucic call early elections by 9 p.m. on Saturday. The president firmly rejected the call, telling state television on Friday that there would be no elections before 2026.

The unrest began in November following a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. The incident, blamed on government corruption and neglect, sparked nationwide outrage.

After months of university blockades and street protests, demonstrators shifted their demands to broader political reforms and snap parliamentary elections.

Vucic continues to accuse the opposition of serving foreign interests and attempting to destabilize the country.

As night fell, thousands remained on the streets, chanting and waving flags, vowing to keep up the pressure.

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