Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has warned that ongoing anti-government protests could soon lead to killings in the streets if violence continues unchecked.
He described the escalating unrest as a sign of weakness among demonstrators and promised decisive measures to punish those involved in riots.
Vučić emphasized that his administration would resist external pressures and prevail against attempts to destabilize the country.
Recent clashes have marked a sharp escalation in the protests, with demonstrators setting fire to offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in cities like Valjevo and Novi Sad.
Police responded with tear gas, batons, and stun grenades, resulting in injuries to dozens of officers and protesters, as well as multiple arrests.
Videos circulating on social media showed instances of alleged police brutality, though authorities have denied these claims.
The protests originated from the partial collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy on November 1, 2024, which claimed 16 lives and was attributed by many to negligence and corruption in renovation works.
The station, originally built in 1964, underwent renovations between 2021 and 2023, with officials declaring it fully operational last July.
In response, authorities have launched probes by the Novi Sad High Prosecutor’s Office into potential corruption during the station’s overhaul.
Former Construction Minister Goran Vesić resigned but denied personal responsibility, while Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić and former Prime Minister Miloš Vučević stepped down in January 2025.
A new prime minister and cabinet were elected by parliament on April 16, 2025.
Protesters have demanded accountability for the tragedy, including the release of all related renovation documents and the freeing of detained students and educators.
They also seek a 20 percent increase in the higher education budget, snap parliamentary elections before the scheduled 2027 date, and reforms to ensure fair voter records and media access.
The government maintains that key demands have been addressed, rendering further demonstrations unjustified.
Vučić has accused protest organizers of inciting violence and labeled them as terrorists attempting to overthrow the state through foreign-backed plots. He rejected calls for early elections and vowed more arrests to restore order.
International observers, including the Council of Europe, have voiced concerns over reports of disproportionate police force and arbitrary detentions. They urged de-escalation and respect for peaceful assembly rights.
Despite these calls, Vučić indicated that strong actions against rioters would be announced soon.
The demonstrations, which peaked with hundreds of thousands of participants earlier this year, have persisted for over nine months across Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other cities.
Recent violence included clashes between anti-government groups and SNS supporters, with protesters targeting party symbols.
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