Massive protests in Belgrade challenge Serbia’s populist government

Tuesday 01 July 2025 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Massive protests in Belgrade challenge Serbia’s populist government

Around 140,000 protestors filled Belgrade’s largest square and surrounding streets on Saturday, marking the biggest demonstration in Serbia since November. The protestors voiced their discontent with the populist government led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), accusing it of corruption and mismanagement since coming to power in 2012.

The protests, initially sparked by a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad last November that killed 16 people, have gained momentum over the months. The incident, widely attributed to government negligence, galvanized students into action and has since grown into a nationwide movement demanding political change.

On Saturday, demonstrators carried Serbian flags and banners representing cities across the country, chanting slogans like “We want elections!” The Independent Protest Monitor estimated the turnout at approximately 140,000 people. Police responded to the protests with tear gas and stun grenades, while some demonstrators retaliated with flares, further heightening tensions in the capital.

The protestors have been calling for snap elections and the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić, whom they accuse of consolidating power and suppressing dissent. An ultimatum was delivered to Vučić outlining their demands, which he has rejected. The president is expected to address the nation on Sunday night, having already condemned the protests in a video shared online.

The unrest comes amid signs of waning support for the Serbian Progressive Party. Recent municipal elections indicate that an opposition coalition is gaining traction, setting the stage for a potential political showdown. This intensifying movement highlights a growing dissatisfaction within Serbia, a country on the eastern edge of the Schengen Zone, as the government faces mounting domestic and international scrutiny.