In a dramatic display of power, Serbian police used tear gas, pepper spray, and stun grenades to disperse a massive anti-government protest in Belgrade on June 28. The rally, attended by over 100,000 demonstrators, was the latest in a series of mass protests that have been growing since November, when a train station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 15 people and sparking accusations of government corruption. The demand for snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule has intensified the unrest, with police using force to quell the protests and dozens of demonstrators detained.
Vucic, a right-wing populist leader with authoritarian leanings and strong ties to Russia, has accused foreign entities of inciting the protests, a claim he has not supported with any evidence. His government has maintained a delicate diplomatic balance since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, seeking to align with both the West and Moscow. His recent visit to Ukraine on June 11 underscored this balancing act, as Serbia attempts to navigate between its EU aspirations and its historical ties to Russia.
Despite Vucic’s claims of a ‘Ukrainian-style revolution’ in Serbia, the protests have primarily focused on his alleged corruption and mismanagement rather than being pro-Russian or pro-Ukrainian. The movement is characterized by its demands for political change, with protesters calling for electoral reform and an end to what they perceive as a corrupt regime. The situation highlights the growing discontent within Serbian society, particularly among those who feel that the government has failed to address systemic issues and has prioritized self-interest over the public good.
As the protests continue, the situation in Serbia has become a focal point for international observers, given the country’s strategic position between the West and Russia. The government’s use of force against demonstrators has raised concerns about human rights and the rule of law, while the protesters’ demands for democratic reform have attracted both domestic and international support. The outcome of this standoff will likely have significant implications for Serbia’s political future and its relationship with both the West and Russia.