Serbia: Violence during protests against Vucic government

14.08.2025 14 August 2025

Clashes have broken out again in many Serbian cities between opponents and supporters of the government of President Aleksandar Vucic. Riot police intervened. Many were injured.

The riots were particularly violent in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad. Critics and supporters of the government camp threw fireworks and other objects at each other. Police had to intervene massively, according to local media, and used tear gas. At least 64 civilians and five military police officers were injured in the clashes in front of the headquarters of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), President Aleksandar Vucic announced.

Police officers with batons stand in front of shouting demonstrators, some of whom hold their arms up — Police officers in Belgrade in front of anti-government demonstrators . Image: Darko Vojinovic/AP Photo/picture alliance

Clashes were also reported in the capital, Belgrade. Supporters of both camps shouted insults at each other and threw objects. A large police presence prevented demonstrators from approaching SNS offices and a tent camp of government supporters in front of parliament.

President threatens opponents

The head of state called the protesters "thugs and murderers" and announced that he would have them "removed" from Belgrade and Novi Sad, as the Tanjug news agency reported. This was intended to prevent a "civil war," Vucic reportedly added. He thanked the "wonderful ordinary people" who had protected the party headquarters "from crazy obstructionists."

Aleksandar Vucic on a chair — Head of state Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday in the government palace in Belgrade. Photo: Milan Ilic/BETAPHOTO/SIPA/picture alliance

In other parts of Serbia, there were also numerous anti-government demonstrations. They mostly took place in front of local party offices. According to eyewitnesses, there were frequent scuffles between supporters of both sides and police.

Roof collapse triggers protests

For nine months now, angry citizens have been taking to the streets in Serbia. The protests, originally initiated by students, were triggered by the collapse of a newly renovated train station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people.

People and heavy equipment in front of a building — Rescue workers and helpers at the scene of the accident in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024. Photo: Nenad Mihajlovic/AFP/Getty Images

Independent experts and opposition figures attribute the tragedy to sloppiness and corruption under the Vucic government. Protesters are demanding the resignation of the government and early elections. Opponents accuse Vucic and his allies of ties to organized crime, violence against rivals, and restrictions on media freedom.

Vucic has so far rejected new elections. His coalition, led by the Progressive Party, holds 156 of the 250 seats in the Belgrade parliament.

The latest protests were also fueled by violent incidents on Tuesday evening in the northern Serbian towns of Vrbas and Backa Palanka. Anti-government demonstrators were physically attacked by government supporters without police intervention. Several people were injured.

se/AR (dpa, rtr, afp)