Translated by Irene Cecchi
For over nine months, Serbia has been experiencing a wave of anti-government protests that have escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement and pro-government supporters. The origin of this unrest dates back to November 2024, when the collapse of the train station canopy in Novi Sad caused sixteen deaths. The incident sparked outrage and suspicions of corruption and negligence by the government, particularly regarding infrastructure contracts, fueling demands for justice, resignations of those responsible and new elections. The protests increasingly targeted the government led by President Aleksandar Vučić, who has been accused of concentrating too much power and failing to ensure administrative transparency.
The protests began peacefully, mainly led by students, who quickly managed to mobilize broad sectors of civil society, including teachers and farmers. In March, a major demonstration in Belgrade brought over 100,000 people to the streets: one of the largest gatherings in Serbia in decades. The resignations of some officials and the opening of judicial investigations were early outcomes but they failed to stem the protest wave. In recent months, however, the atmosphere has shifted. The demonstrations have become increasingly radical, with marches on several occasions descending into violence. By mid-August, the streets of Belgrade and other cities turned into scenes of urban warfare. In one particularly tense episode, the police used tear gas and riot vehicles to disperse demonstrators. The clashes left dozens injured, including 27 police officers and about 80 civilians, while nearly 50 people were arrested.
At the same time, offices of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) were targeted in various towns. In Belgrade, Novi Sad and Valjevo, some buildings were set on fire or vandalized. In Valjevo, tensions further escalated after the release of a video showing a police beating, which inflamed public anger. In other cities, the protests also took a violent turn, with improvised barricades, attacks on public buildings and direct clashes between demonstrators and police.
The polarization has also affected relations among citizens. In Novi Sad, groups of government supporters attacked demonstrators with firecrackers and clubs. Only after hours of tension did security forces intervene, highlighting how the conflict has spread beyond the classic divide between protesters and institutions but that now runs through Serbian society itself.
The international community is watching the situation with growing concern. The Council of Europe condemned the excessive use of force by the authorities, while the European Union demanded respect for civil liberties and the right to protest. Serbia officially remains a candidate for EU membership and has repeatedly affirmed its intention to pursue this path in recent years. However, several EU member states have expressed concern over the state of the rule of law, media control and the government's handling of political dissent. Brussels is treading carefully: while it sees Serbia’s stability as essential to the Balkan region, it cannot ignore signs of democratic backsliding that could make the country incompatible with the EU’s accession standards. The international debate also revolves around Serbia's foreign relations. Vučić maintains close ties with Russia and China, two key economic and political partners that allow him to counterbalance Western pressure. This delicate balancing act makes the situation even more complex: while Moscow and Beijing view Serbia’s stability as a guarantee of strategic continuity, the EU increasingly believes that the current government is steering Serbia away from the democratic path required for EU integration.
Respected Western media outlets have highlighted the risks of a gradual slide toward authoritarianism, with power increasingly concentrated in the president’s hands and democratic institutions weakening. The Financial Times warned that Belgrade could become a pseudo-democracy if real reforms are not implemented and transparent elections are not guaranteed. Meanwhile, Serbian civil society remains active. The student movement, despite lacking formal political structures, continues to enjoy broad support. The spontaneous participation of citizens of various ages and social categories points to a deep-rooted discontent that goes beyond isolated incidents. Demands for transparency, political accountability, and greater democratic openness remain central to the movement.
The conflict between institutions and protesters seems far from resolved. On one side, the government appears intent on maintaining control through repressive measures; on the other, the mobilization shows no signs of slowing and continues to involve thousands of people across the country. Serbia is currently in a delicate moment, caught between the possibility of transitioning toward greater political pluralism and the risk of an authoritarian freeze, with the international community and the unstable Balkan balance playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
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