Anti-government protests in Belgrade turn violent, demand early elections
On May 23-24, 2026, tens of thousands of protesters in Belgrade, Serbia, clashed with police during a student-led demonstration demanding early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vučić’s 12-year rule. The protest, sparked by a deadly 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse blamed on corruption, turned violent when masked individuals threw flares and rocks at riot police, who responded with tear gas. Dozens were arrested and injured. Vučić, visiting China, suggested possible elections in autumn, while international bodies warned of democratic backsliding.
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Serbian president may step down amid ongoing anti-government protests
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has indicated he could resign as his term in office nears expiration, making the statement during a visit to China. This follows a major anti-government rally in Belgrade's Slavija Square on May 23, which the Interior Ministry estimated drew about 34,000 participants. Clashes erupted after the rally, resulting in 47 detentions and 17 injured police officers, with protesters using bottles, stones, and fireworks. The unrest stems from public anger over a November 2024 canopy collapse at a Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people, sparking ongoing protests demanding early elections. Vucic announced on May 21 that parliamentary elections would be held between late September and mid-November 2025.
TASSTens of thousands rally in Serbia to demand early elections amid anti-corruption protests
On May 24, 2026, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade, Serbia, to demand early elections, continuing a protest movement sparked by the November 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse that killed 16 people. The student-led rally, featuring the slogan 'The students are winning,' drew an estimated 34,000 participants according to police. After the peaceful protest ended, clashes erupted between masked individuals and riot police, who used tear gas. Several arrests were made. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the violence but suggested elections could be held in autumn. The movement, which has persisted for over a year, calls for a transparent investigation into the disaster and broader democratic reforms, including the rule of law and European integration. The Council of Europe has warned of worsening human rights conditions in Serbia, citing attacks on activists and journalists.
https://kuwaittimes.comMass protest in Serbia's capital: Tens of thousands demonstrate for early elections
On May 24, 2026, tens of thousands of students and citizens demonstrated in Belgrade, Serbia, demanding early elections and protesting the government of President Aleksandar Vučić. The protest was sparked by the November 2024 collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people, which protesters blame on government corruption and negligence. The independent monitoring group AJS estimated 180,000 participants, while police reported 34,000. After the rally, masked individuals clashed with police, resulting in 23 arrests and several injured officers. The government halted rail traffic nationwide, ostensibly to hinder travel to the protest. Meanwhile, Vučić traveled to China for a state visit with President Xi Jinping, highlighting Serbia's close ties with China.
taz.de - taz.deMass protest in Serbia's capital: Tens of thousands demonstrate for early elections
On May 24, 2026, tens of thousands of students and citizens demonstrated in Belgrade, Serbia, demanding early elections and accusing President Aleksandar Vučić's government of corruption and negligence following the November 2024 train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. The rally, supported by students who have occupied universities for a year, drew at least 180,000 participants according to independent monitors, though police estimated 34,000. After the demonstration, masked individuals clashed with police, firing fireworks; 23 people were arrested and several officers injured. The government halted rail traffic nationwide, ostensibly to hinder protesters from outside Belgrade. Meanwhile, Vučić traveled to China for an official state visit, highlighting close bilateral ties.
taz.de - taz.deMass protest in Serbia's capital: Tens of thousands demonstrate for early elections
On May 24, 2026, tens of thousands of students and citizens demonstrated in Belgrade, Serbia, demanding early elections and an end to government corruption under President Aleksandar Vučić. The protest, sparked by the November 2024 train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people, is part of a broader student-led movement. Clashes occurred after the rally when masked individuals fired fireworks at police, leading to 23 arrests and several injured officers. The government halted rail traffic nationwide, allegedly to hinder attendance. Meanwhile, Vučić traveled to China for a state visit with President Xi Jinping, highlighting Serbia's close ties with Beijing. Independent monitors estimated 180,000 participants, while police claimed 34,000.
taz.de - taz.deMass anti-government protest in Belgrade turns violent
On Saturday, a massive demonstration estimated in the hundreds of thousands took place in Belgrade's Slavija Square, organized by university students demanding political change and early elections. The protest targeted Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who has been in power for 14 years. The event turned violent after the official program ended, with a small group of protesters throwing firecrackers, stones, and bottles at police. Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades. Both sides accused each other of initiating the violence: student organizers claimed police beat and arrested dozens, while Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said 23 people were detained and several officers injured. The protest was part of ongoing unrest since the deadly Novi Sad railway station tragedy in November 2024.
444Chaos in Belgrade: Massive Anti-Government Protest Turns Violent
On May 23-24, 2026, a massive anti-government demonstration in Belgrade, Serbia, organized by opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic, escalated into violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The rally in the central square was initially peaceful, but groups of young demonstrators later broke away and attacked police cordons with flares, rocks, and bottles. The protest reflects growing opposition to Vucic's autocratic rule. The article, sourced from Digi24 and citing CBS News, reports the event as a significant political crisis in Serbia.
Digi24Serbia: Police Clash with Protesters Demanding Early Elections
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Belgrade against the government of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, demanding early elections. Police responded by firing teargas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. The demonstration proceeded despite the state rail operator canceling trains to and from the capital, an apparent attempt to reduce turnout. The clashes highlight growing political tensions in Serbia over governance and electoral demands.
Deutsche WelleSerbia: Police clash with protesters demanding early elections
On May 23, 2026, tens of thousands of protesters in Belgrade clashed with police during a student-led demonstration demanding an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. The protest, which called for early parliamentary elections and accused the government of corruption, turned violent when groups of young demonstrators threw flares, rocks, and bottles at riot police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. The state rail operator canceled trains to and from Belgrade, citing a bomb scare, which organizers condemned as an attempt to prevent people from other regions from joining. The movement originated 18 months earlier after a deadly roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad, blamed on corruption and negligence. Vucic's loyalists held a counter-rally nearby. International bodies, including the Council of Europe, have raised concerns about Serbia's deteriorating human rights situation and democratic backsliding under Vucic, which could cost the country billions in EU funding.
Deutsche Welle