Serbia’s Protests Escalate Despite Vučić Ruling Out Re-Election

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

BELGRADE/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – A tense political and security standoff continued Friday in Serbia as riots erupted in Novi Sad, where supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) clashed with anti-government protesters, hurling flares and firecrackers and prompting police intervention.

The violence marks a major escalation in nine months of unrest triggered by the fatal collapse of a renovated railway station roof in Novi Sad last November that killed 16 people — an incident protesters say underscores deep-seated corruption and negligence within the government.

President Aleksandar Vučić, flanked by Interior Minister Ivica Dačić, told reporters that 16 police officers and around 60 SNS supporters were injured. The increasingly authoritarian leader accused unidentified foreign powers of orchestrating the unrest, vowing arrests.

“Persons who violated the law will be apprehended … Tonight, we have averted a catastrophic scenario planned by someone from abroad,” Vučić said.

Vučić also confirmed he will not seek another term in the next presidential election amid mounting pressure from protesters demanding early polls.

CLASHES SPREAD

Footage aired by private N1 TV showed flares and firecrackers thrown from the direction of SNS offices at demonstrators, some of whom had bloody faces and claimed Vučić’s supporters used sticks and truncheons.

Opposition Move-Change movement said, “Attacks on people with pyrotechnic devices violate their right to life and protest.”

In Belgrade, riot police blocked protesters from approaching parliament, while in other cities — including Kragujevac, Čačak, and Niš — demonstrators rallied outside SNS offices.

The unrest comes at a sensitive time for Serbia’s foreign policy.

Vučić’s government has maintained close ties with Russia and an often cooperative relationship with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, both of which could be tested if a new, more Western-oriented administration emerges after early elections, observers say.

WHAT’S NEXT 

Moscow and Budapest have yet to comment on the escalating crisis officially.

Diplomatic observers say the European Union could step in to mediate between Serbia’s government and opposition, given the country’s EU membership aspirations and the risk of further instability.

Any leadership change could shift Serbia’s foreign policy balance — potentially cooling its alignment with Moscow and altering its special partnership with Budapest.

Protest organizers have vowed to continue nationwide demonstrations until early elections are called and anti-corruption reforms are implemented.

Security analysts warn that further clashes are likely unless both sides commit to dialogue, raising concerns of a prolonged political crisis in the Western Balkans.

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