In Belgrade, Serbia, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as tens of thousands of people flooded the streets in anticipation of a significant anti-government protest slated for the weekend. This demonstration marked a significant challenge to the populist leadership of President Aleksandar Vucic, who has maintained a firm hold on power for the past ten years.
Friday’s gathering was bustling as the citizens of Belgrade welcomed a substantial number of university students traveling from all over the country, united for the rally scheduled for Saturday. Anticipation was high as more citizens were expected to join in the protest, which signified a culmination of months of anti-corruption demonstrations that have taken place across the Balkans.
Downtown Belgrade was alight with flares, fireworks, and flag-waving protesters, a sharp contrast to the fear-mongering deployed by Vucic’s populist faction who aimed to discourage participation in the rally. Throughout the weeks leading up, Vucic had issued repeated warnings, claiming violence was imminent at the event and threatening arrests for any disturbances. His proponents had set up camp in the city center, spiking concerns of potential clashes with demonstrators.
On Friday evening, at a press conference, Vucic maintained a defiant stance, declaring that the authorities had received reports of planned unrest and classified the rally as “illegal.” He alleged that the protests were orchestrated by Western intelligence agencies seeking to remove him from office. Vucic firmly stated, “I do not accept blackmail, I will not agree to pressure, I am the president of Serbia and I won’t allow the street to set the rules.”
The student-led movement against corruption was sparked over four months ago, following a tragic incident where a concrete canopy collapse at a northern train station resulted in the loss of 15 lives. Law enforcement authorities arrested six opposition activists, accusing them of “preparing actions against the constitutional order and security” after a purported recording of their meeting was aired on pro-government television the previous day.
In response to these threats, Vucic emphasized, “The Serbian state will do everything to secure peace. Those disrupting peace will be arrested and severely punished.” Despite these pronouncements, the protesters remained unfazed. Among them, Marko Vukovic, a Belgrade student, expressed his reason for participating, stating, “I came to support my friends, colleagues, and all the citizens who think for themselves, to fight for a more just Serbia.”
Emotions were high, with participants shedding tears, laughing, and reveling in the joy of collective resistance. The students have significantly resonated with the citizens, many of whom have become disillusioned with political leadership and have lost faith in state institutions. Previously held student-led rallies in various Serbian cities were noted for their peaceful nature and substantial turnout.
In the capital, tensions escalated after Vucic’s supporters, including former paramilitary figures, erected camps in a park adjacent to the presidency building. The vicinity was fortified with parked tractors by Friday. Authorities planned to secure the parliament building across the street by locking it down for three days, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, railway services and various bus routes to Belgrade were suspended.
The European Union’s mission in Serbia also responded to the growing tension, emphasizing that “freedom of assembly is a fundamental right” and underscoring the need to ensure the safety of participants and institutions. “Violence must be avoided,” they continued. Although Serbia is in pursuit of EU membership, the ruling populists face criticism for suppressing democratic freedoms while fostering stronger ties with Russia and China.