Protests Erupt in Belgrade Over 500,000 Demand Government Resignation

Belgrade has became the epicenter of massive protests, with estimates indicating that over 500,000 people took to the streets. Opposition media claimed that the number of participants could surpass one million, although official numbers have yet to be verified. The protesters are demanding the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, and tensions escalated as demonstrators began using smoke bombs and flares, shrouding the city in thick clouds of smoke.

The unrest has been building for five months, following a tragic incident in November 2024 when a canopy collapse at the Novi Sad train station resulted in 15 fatalities. This event sparked widespread discontent over government corruption and inaction. However, the protests on March 15 marked a significant turning point. Earlier that day, a car crashed into a group of protesters in the Žarkovo district, injuring three students. The driver attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by police. The injured individuals were taken to a hospital with moderate injuries, and their conditions are reported to be stable. This incident further fueled the protesters’ anger, as many accused the government of failing to ensure public safety.

Reports confirm the scale of the demonstrations. According to Reuters, by Saturday evening, over 100,000 people had gathered in central Belgrade, supported by columns of students and farmers from cities such as Novi Sad and Niš. The Associated Press noted that protesters blocked key highways and erected tractor barricades in front of the parliament building.

Authorities have attempted to curb the protests, blocking access routes to the capital and responding to reports of false bomb threats at train stations. In response to the escalating situation, President Vucic attributed the unrest to “Western interference” and vowed to take a tough stance against any disturbances.