Anti-government protests swept throughout Serbia over the weekend, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to demand change. The student-led protests began eight months ago after the government covered up a railway station canopy collapse that claimed the lives of 16 people, but the discontent with government began many years ago. The Serbian people are now demanding early parliamentary elections and the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić.
Tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets in the capital of Belgrade on Sunday and Monday, blocking a main bridge over the Sava River. In Novi Saf, protestors surrounded the office of the ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party and pelted it with eggs. Vucic deemed these acts domestic terrorism. “Serbia won. You cannot destroy Serbia with violence,” said Vucic. “They consciously wanted to spur bloodshed. The time of accountability is coming.” Yet, protestors believe the current administration is “illegitimate,” and the anger intensified after Vucic announced that the next national vote would not take place before the end of 2026.
Serbia no longer has the freedom of the press as entities closely linked to Vucic and his administration own the majority of Serbian media outlets. Opposition parties do not have access to state television and are silenced. Independent journalists have been murdered in suspicious cases.
Vucic has rotated between prime minister and president roles to retain control for over 12 years. The people believe that the elections are rigged with reports of NGOs participating in voter intimidation and vote-buying. Instances of third-party illegal polling stations were common. Since the ruling party controls all state media, it controls the narrative.
The European Parliament called for an international investigation into voting irregularities after the 2023 election, threatening to withhold funds if it found evidence of voter fraud. Yet, voting was repeated at 43 separate polling stations due to irregularities. Every independent assessment found that while the elections were technically held in a democratic manner, the ruling party has extreme systemic advantages that slanted the election in their favor.
Serbia, a non-NATO member that has refused to impose sanctions on Russia, remains in a unique position that could cause external forces to intervene under the guise of supporting democracy. Aligning with the models, Serbia experienced significant unrest in 2023-2024 over election fraud allegations with tensions coming to a head in March 2025. The Balkans have been a historic battleground for the beginning of global conflict. Based on the model, the unrest will not quell and Serbia, as others, will continue to destabilize into 2027.
