Tens of thousands of Serbians took to the streets of Belgrade on June 28, 2025, calling for early parliamentary elections and an end to what they describe as years of corruption, authoritarianism, and democratic backsliding under President Aleksandar Vučić.
The protest, which began peacefully in front of the Serbian National Assembly, escalated into clashes with riot police after demonstrators attempted to push through police lines. The movement was primarily organized by students and civil society groups, who claim the government has ignored months of peaceful demands.
📣 A Nation Demands Change
Crowds chanted slogans such as “Resign!”, “We want elections!”, and “Down with dictatorship!” while waving Serbian flags and holding banners promoting democracy and freedom of speech.
Estimates of crowd size varied significantly, with independent observers reporting more than 100,000 protesters, while government sources placed the number closer to 35,000. Regardless, this was one of the largest demonstrations in Serbia since the 2000 movement that ousted Slobodan Milošević.
🔥 Protest Turns Violent
As evening approached, tensions flared. Protesters hurled bottles, smoke bombs, and flares, while police responded with pepper spray and batons. Local media reported at least 30 arrests and several injuries on both sides.
Interior Minister Ivica Dačić blamed “foreign influence” and “radical elements” for inciting violence. Human rights organizations, however, condemned the police response, calling it excessive and politically motivated.
🗳️ The Core Demand: Snap Elections
The protesters are demanding that snap parliamentary elections be held before the end of 2025, rather than waiting until the scheduled date in late 2027. Critics accuse Vučić’s ruling party, SNS (Serbian Progressive Party), of consolidating power through media control, electoral manipulation, and judicial pressure.
This protest is the culmination of months of unrest—triggered by a deadly infrastructure collapse, corruption scandals, and alleged ties between government officials and organized crime. Students, university professors, farmers, and health workers have all joined the movement.
🌍 International and Regional Impact
The protests come at a critical time for Serbia’s stalled bid to join the European Union. EU leaders have voiced concern over Serbia’s democratic backsliding and human rights record. Some analysts believe that sustained unrest may force the government to reconsider its hardline stance.
Meanwhile, Vučić maintains his position. In a televised address, he dismissed the protesters as “extremists” and reaffirmed his intention to serve out his full term.
🔎 What Happens Next?
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More protests are already being planned for next week.
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Opposition parties say they will call for mass strikes if early elections are not announced.
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The government appears unwilling to compromise, raising fears of prolonged instability.
📌 Bottom Line
As Serbia faces its biggest political unrest in years, the message from the streets is clear: citizens want change, accountability, and a return to democratic norms. Whether the government will listen—or dig in deeper—remains to be seen.
