Serbia is witnessing a dangerous escalation in anti-government protests, now entering a more violent and widespread phase. Major cities—including Belgrade, Novi Sad, Valjevo, Niš, Kragujevac, and Pančevo—have become focal points of unrest. The movement, initially peaceful and student-led, has swelled into a national upheaval.
Triggers and Escalation
The protests erupted nine months ago after a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people. Public outrage grew rapidly, fuelled by accusations of corruption and negligence. What started as silent vigils quickly turned into daily demonstrations, as students and citizens demanded political accountability and structural reform.AP NewsReutersWikipedia+1
Spread of Violence
Recent days marked a violent shift. In Belgrade, crowds hurled flares and fireworks at riot police. Tear gas was deployed to disperse the mass gatherings near army headquarters, where overturned trash bins and a burning tree created chaos. Similar scenes unfolded in Niš and across other cities.Reutersreutersconnect.com
Meanwhile, in Valjevo, protesters targeted local Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) offices, setting them ablaze and vandalizing municipal and judicial buildings. Interior Minister Ivica Dačić confirmed injuries to police officers and at least 18 arrests. He warned: “There will be more detentions.”AP NewsReuters
Momentum Reaches Novi Sad
Novi Sad, the site of the original tragedy, remains in uproar. Protesters stormed and demolished SNS party headquarters. The destruction symbolized the movement’s discontent with the ruling party’s leadership.ReutersAP NewsFinancial Times
Clashes with Government Loyalists
Violence has not been one-sided. Pro-Vučić supporters clashed with protesters, especially in Novi Sad, with reports of flares, firecrackers, and physical attacks. Police forces intervened to separate both groups, leading to further confrontations.Financial TimesReuters
Rising Toll and Political Pressure
Authorities have reported dozens of injuries on both sides. In Belgrade alone, at least 26 officers were hurt. Protests are now happening in nearly 90 locations nationwide. President Aleksandar Vučić has dismissed calls for early elections and accused protesters of foreign meddling and threatening national stability.The GuardianThe Times of IndiaAP News+1ReutersFinancial Times
International Reactions
The unrest has drawn international concern. The Council of Europe urged Serbia to uphold standards of democratic expression and peacefully manage dissent. EU leaders emphasized the importance of free assembly and press freedom—principles currently at risk.AP NewsReutersFinancial Times
From Peaceful to National Movement
This week marks a turning point. What began as student protests has grown into a broad, urban movement. Demonstrators are now pushing back against perceived autocracy and corruption. Decorations of “He is finished” and repeated demands for early elections have become common refrains.Wikipedia+1AP NewsReuters
What Comes Next?
The government’s refusal to call elections has intensified tensions. As police prepare for further suppression, the risk of deeper instability looms. Analysts increasingly warn that Serbia’s political crisis may threaten its aspirations to join the European Union.AP NewsThe GuardianReuters+1Financial Times
Final Thoughts
Serbia’s protest movement has evolved dramatically. Once commemorative and peaceful, it has now become confrontational and widespread. Citizens are demanding accountability while authorities respond with force. With European leaders watching closely, Serbia’s future hinges on whether dialogue replaces force. Only time will tell whether the government will heed the calls for reform or double down on repression.
