Serbia’s political crisis is intensifying after President Aleksandar Vucic announced further arrests in the wake of a massive anti-government protest that turned violent on June 28. The protest, which marked nearly eight months of persistent demonstrations, saw tens of thousands of citizens-largely led by students-demanding early parliamentary elections and an end to what they called an increasingly authoritarian rule.

Speaking at a press conference on June 29, Vucic accused the organizers of inciting violence and labeled them “terrorists” attempting to destabilize the country. He specifically targeted University of Belgrade’s head dean, Vladan Djokic, who was seen among the protesters, suggesting that even academic figures were involved in undermining the state.

The protest in Belgrade on June 28 was one of the largest Serbia has witnessed in recent years. Independent estimates placed attendance at around 140,000, far exceeding the 36,000 reported by police. Protesters gathered in Republic Square waving Serbian flags and chanting slogans like “Down with dictatorship!” and “This is our country too!” The event was timed to coincide with St. Vitus Day, a date loaded with historical and nationalistic significance.

While the official portion of the rally concluded peacefully, violent clashes erupted shortly after. Riot police responded with batons, pepper spray, and shields, while protesters hurled rocks, glass bottles, and other projectiles. By the following day, authorities reported 48 injured police officers and 22 protesters seeking medical treatment. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed that 77 people had been arrested, 38 of whom remain in custody facing criminal charges.

“There will be more arrests,” Vucic warned. “Identification of all individuals is underway.”

University students have emerged as the face of the anti-government movement, playing a pivotal role in organizing and sustaining the protests. Their mobilization was initially sparked by the collapse of a newly renovated rail station canopy on November 1, which killed 16 people. Many blamed the disaster on government negligence and rampant corruption in public infrastructure projects.

“We are here today because we cannot take it any more,” said student activist Darko Kovacevic. “This has been going on for too long. We are mired in corruption.”

Students addressed the crowd at the June 28 rally, urging citizens to “take freedom into your own hands.” Their defiant tone and commitment to peaceful protest have made them heroes to many and enemies to a government increasingly resorting to force.

Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have repeatedly rejected the demand for early elections, which are currently scheduled for 2027. Instead, the government has responded with a widening crackdown on dissent, targeting universities, civil society groups, and independent media outlets. The state has also reportedly banned the entry of several foreigners, including Croatians and a Montenegrin theater director, allegedly to prevent foreign interference.

Earlier in the week, authorities arrested individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government, though no concrete evidence has been made public. In a controversial move seen by critics as an attempt to suppress attendance at the rally, Serbia’s railway company halted train services over an alleged bomb threat. Similar tactics were employed in March, ahead of another massive demonstration.

In a countermove clearly orchestrated by the government, Vucic’s party bused in supporters from rural areas to create a parallel display of loyalty in central Belgrade. Many wore matching T-shirts reading “We won’t give up Serbia” and have been camping in the city since mid-March. While protesters flooded the streets demanding accountability and reform, Vucic carried out a symbolic ceremony, handing out presidential awards to artists and journalists. He used the occasion to project calm and control.

“People need not worry – the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice,” Vucic told reporters.

But critics argue that this calm exterior masks a deteriorating political environment where public dissent is punished and power is increasingly centralized. Human rights organizations and international observers have expressed concern over the rising authoritarianism in Serbia, where the separation of powers appears to be weakening, and political opponents face growing risks.

Serbia’s political crisis is unfolding against a complex geopolitical backdrop. Although the country is formally pursuing membership in the European Union, its government maintains close ties with Russia and China. This balancing act has fueled concerns in Brussels and Washington about Serbia’s democratic trajectory.

Vucic has previously accused protesters of receiving support from foreign actors, though no evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. His rhetoric has shifted from conciliatory to confrontational, as he seeks to discredit the opposition and tighten his grip on power.

“This is not about democracy,” Vucic said on June 29. “This is about preserving Serbia. They consciously wanted to spur bloodshed. The time of accountability is coming.”

What began as protests over a deadly infrastructure collapse has evolved into a broader movement calling for systemic change. While the government insists it is defending national stability, critics argue it is using the tools of repression to avoid transparency and accountability.

With university students at the forefront, a new generation of Serbians is demanding not only fair elections but a different vision for the future-one free of corruption, patronage, and fear. Whether Vucic’s government can continue to suppress this momentum without triggering further unrest remains uncertain.

But one thing is clear: Serbia stands at a crossroads. The outcome of this struggle between an emboldened citizenry and an entrenched regime will shape the country’s political future-and possibly its place in Europe-for years to come.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings