BELGRADE: Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade to renew calls for early elections, demands that emerged from the anti-corruption movement sparked by a deadly rail station disaster.
Since the station canopy collapse in November 2024 in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people, calls for a transparent investigation have grown into a broader push for early polls.
Chanting the movement’s signature slogan, “The students are winning,” to the sound of drums and whistles, crowds moved through the city toward Slavija Square in the centre. Large banners hanging from trees, along with T-shirts, badges and stickers, also carried the slogan.
As the rally dispersed, clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. Masked men threw stones, bottles and firecrackers at officers, who responded with tear gas.
Several people were arrested, while gendarmerie vehicles kept crowds away from the presidential and parliament buildings.
“All those who, after the end of the public gathering at Slavija, attacked police officers who were securing the event will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the prosecutors’ office said in a statement.
Serbian President Alexander Vucic, in a post on Instagram, said the scenes witnessed during the unrest were “not good for Serbia” and had saddened citizens. “They will not change anything with this,” he added.
Earlier, marchers gathered carrying Serbian flags and banners representing university faculties. Others who had travelled from across the country displayed signs bearing the names of their hometowns.
“The goal of the protest is for all of us to gather again and to make it clear to people that we are still here, that we are fighting and working, that we have not and will not stop,” said 24-year-old architecture student Andjela.
Students in high-visibility vests served as stewards, while war veterans and bikers were also present to help protect the crowd.
Police chief Dragan Vasiljevic told journalists the turnout was estimated at 34,000, though no independent estimate was available.
“A clear message is being sent,” said pensioner Zoran Savic.
“Change must come, Serbia must become a democratic state, the rule of law must be present for everyone, meaning the rule of law equally for everyone,” he said.
“And Serbia must be part of the democratic, European community.”
The protests have continued since the Novi Sad disaster, with one demonstration in March 2025 drawing as many as 300,000 people.
Students leading the movement hope the latest demonstration will revive pressure on President Vucic to call early elections. Vucic, who has repeatedly raised the issue, recently suggested the polls could take place in autumn.
While most demonstrations have remained peaceful, some have been marked by clashes in recent months, with several protesters alleging attacks by masked government supporters.
The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner warned that Serbia’s rights situation had deteriorated, citing attacks on activists and journalists, shrinking civic space and alleged police abuses during protests.
“After a year and a half of protests, people have not given up and have not lost their strength,” said demonstrator Ivan Milosavljevic, who travelled from eastern Serbia.
“The strength of the protests can be seen in the number of people here. We will continue until this anti-people regime is removed.”
