Protesters in Serbia have escalated tensions by attacking government offices, leading to violent clashes with police. President Aleksandar Vucic has firmly condemned the unrest, accusing foreign forces of orchestrating the violence and emphasizing that no one can challenge the state’s authority. The situation has garnered international attention, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry stating its stance on the issue and Hungary’s foreign minister suggesting the EU seeks to influence its neighboring countries.
The clashes began in Valjevo, about 100 kilometers west of Belgrade, after videos of police using force against protesters spread online. The footage sparked rallies in several cities, with opposition groups accusing authorities of heavy-handed tactics. Clips posted online showed masked demonstrators throwing flares and stones at empty offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), breaking windows before flames broke out inside. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze.
Riot police were deployed in Belgrade and other cities as videos showed protesters hurling flares at officers and police vehicles. In a video message, Vucic described the violence as an expression of total weakness and promised to punish the bullies. He stated, ‘All the masks are off. People see everything: the protesters’ nervousness and hysteria are growing, and the violence is becoming more obvious, because they have nothing left to offer.’ He added that ‘no civil war’ would be allowed and that ‘no one is stronger than the state, even with foreign support.’
Vucic argued earlier this week that the unrest in Serbia was largely fueled from abroad, drawing parallels with the ‘color revolutions’ seen in other countries. In a related statement, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed that the European Union is seeking to topple the governments of Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia because they prioritize national interests over alignment with Brussels. The unrest has ‘far exceeded civilized protest,’ Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated, adding that Moscow cannot remain unresponsive to events in ‘brotherly Serbia’ and expressed confidence that stability would be restored.
Student-led protests first broke out in 2024 after a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people. Protesters alleged government corruption and demanded early elections. The current unrest is a continuation of these long-standing issues, with the recent violence marking a significant escalation in the political landscape of Serbia.