Serbia’s Belgrade saw protests  with protestors demanding an early election to end the 12-year rule of President Aleksandar Vucic. The rally demanding snap elections organised by Serbia’s university students comes in the wake of protests which took place eight months before over a roof crash linked by critics to graft. A large number of officers in riot gear were deployed to control the situation.

The protestors were heard chanting “We want elections!” at the capital’s central Slavija Square and area around it. Tear gas was fired at protestors and dozens were arrested during clashes with riot police.

What’s Causing The Protest?

The protests had first erupted eight months earlier on November after the collapse of a renovated concrete rail station roof in Novi Sad, which claimed lives of 16 people. Nationwide demonstrations were held as the Serbians alleged that the roof collapse was the result of corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects. At that time also the protests were led by the students.
Following the rally, under pressure Prime Minister Milos Vucevic had resigned at the start of this year, while President Vucic continued to remain in power.

It was reported that hours before the rally at Slavija Square and Nemanjina Avenue, President Vucic’s party (Serbian Progressive Party) had sent its supporters, with many wearing T-shirts with the slogan, “We won’t give up Serbia.”

As the protests intensified, President Vucic asserted that unspecified “foreign powers” are behind this rally. Notably, he had earlier refused snap elections and intended to continue his second term which ends in 2027. The presidential and parliamentary elections in Serbia are due in 2027.