Mass Rally in Belgrade Marks Climax of Protests Against Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic

On Saturday, Belgrade witnessed a historic gathering as at least 100,000 people flooded the streets in a massive rally against Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The demonstration, seen as the culmination of months-long protests, highlighted growing public discontent with the populist leader and his administration. Despite occasional rain, the capital’s downtown area was packed with flag-waving protesters, many of whom were unable to reach the main protest venue due to the overwhelming turnout.

The protest, which began peacefully, took a tense turn following sporadic incidents between demonstrators and police. In response, university students—who have spearheaded the anti-government movement for the past four months—abruptly called for an end to the rally, citing concerns over safety. While most protesters dispersed, thousands remained on the streets as tensions escalated. Police estimated the crowd at 107,000 at its peak, though independent Serbian media reported significantly higher numbers, calling it the largest rally in the country’s history. Public transport in Belgrade was suspended as protesters poured into the city from various directions.

The rally was part of a nationwide anti-corruption movement that gained momentum after a tragic incident in November, when a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. The disaster, widely attributed to government corruption, negligence, and disregard for construction safety regulations, sparked almost daily demonstrations. These protests have challenged Vucic’s firm grip on power like never before during his 13-year tenure. Many Serbians view the tragedy as a symbol of systemic failures and are demanding accountability for the victims.

Dubbed “15 for 15,” Saturday’s protest referenced both the date of the rally and the number of lives lost in the Novi Sad incident. The crowd observed a solemn 15-minute silence in the evening to honor the victims. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as protesters blew whistles, beat drums, and sounded vuvuzelas. Banners reading “He’s Finished!” and chants of “Pump it Up,” a slogan adopted during the student-led protests, echoed through the streets.

President Vucic, who has repeatedly warned of alleged plans for unrest, threatened arrests and harsh sentences for any incidents. His supporters, including former members of a notorious paramilitary unit and soccer hooligans known for inciting violence, have been camping in central Belgrade near his headquarters. Private broadcaster N1 aired footage of young men entering the pro-Vucic camp, raising concerns about potential clashes.

The protest movement, driven largely by university students, has resonated deeply with citizens disillusioned by political corruption and a lack of faith in state institutions. “I expect this will shake his authority and that Vucic will realize people are no longer for him,” said Milenko Kovacevic, one of the demonstrators. Another protester, Dejan Simic, described the rally as “just the beginning of the end,” expressing hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing struggle for a more democratic Serbia.

Tensions were further heightened by reports of a man ramming his car into protesters in a Belgrade suburb, injuring three people. Hundreds of police officers were deployed around government buildings and the presidential palace, while railway and bus services to Belgrade were canceled, ostensibly for “security reasons.” Additionally, several journalists from Croatia and Slovenia were denied entry at Serbia’s border, with authorities claiming their presence at the rally posed a security risk.

Vucic has accused Western intelligence services of orchestrating the protests to oust him from power, though he has provided no evidence to support these claims. Despite his allegations, the student-led demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, drawing massive crowds across Serbia. The movement reflects a growing demand for transparency, accountability, and democratic reforms in a country grappling with systemic corruption and political stagnation.

As the protests continue to gain momentum, the massive rally in Belgrade underscores a pivotal moment in Serbia’s political landscape. Whether this marks the beginning of a broader shift toward democracy or a temporary challenge to Vucic’s authority remains to be seen. However, the determination of the protesters and their call for justice have already left an indelible mark on the nation’s conscience.