Serbia’s president vows strong response amid sustained unrest
Serbia’s President Vucic Declares “Strong” Response to Protest Violence
Over a Week of Clashes Involving Police, Supporters and Demonstrators
- More than 130 police officers injured in ongoing skirmishes.
- Citizen injuries reported in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Valjevo.
- Mask‑wielded attackers set fire to empty offices of the Serbian Progressive Party.
President Vucic’s “Terrorist” Label For Protesters
During a press conference in Belgrade, president Aleksandar Vucic urged a decisive state response, calling protest participants “terrorists.” He said the government would mobilise every resource to restore law, peace and order.
Vucic indicated that the government needed a few days to formalise a legal framework for the response, though he declined to provide details. He clarified that a state of emergency would not be considered.
Background: Protests Sparked by Railway Station Tragedy
Since November, protest movements have surged in Serbia after a railway station roof collapse killed 16 people. That tragedy has become a symbol of deep-rooted corruption, fueling calls for a transparent investigation and early elections.
Escalation: Pro‑Government Supporters Spark Violence
Earlier this week, larger groups of pro‑government supporters—many masked, some armed with batons and fireworks—attacked demonstrators, sparking violent clashes. Video footage shared online showed police striking unarmed protesters with batons, though police denied brutality allegations and accused demonstrators of attacking officers.
International Reactions
European Union’s enlargement commissioner Marta Kos described the reported violence as “deeply concerning.” Russian foreign ministry officials stated that they may offer further support to Vucic, labeling the protests as “violent riots.”
Political Consequences and Vucic’s Defiance
The protests have already forced the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government. Yet Vucic remains defiant, repeatedly rejecting calls for early elections and alleging that the demonstrations are part of a foreign plot to overthrow him, claiming that “billions of euros” had allegedly been invested in the scheme.
