Clashes erupted between protesters and riot police in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on Saturday, as large crowds of demonstrators took to the streets. Many participants wore T-shirts bearing the slogan "Students win," highlighting the youth movement that organized the rally. The demonstrations challenge the rule of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and call for elections, justice, and the rule of law.

The protests underscore persistent dissent in the Balkan nation, continuing more than a year after they initially began. The movement gained momentum following a tragedy at a train station in northern Serbia in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Many Serbians attribute the incident, which involved a concrete canopy collapse, to alleged corruption-fueled negligence during renovation work conducted by Chinese companies.

On Saturday, the state railway company took the step of cancelling all trains to and from Belgrade, an apparent measure to limit the number of people traveling to the capital. President Vucic, en route to China for a state visit, commented on the events via Instagram, stating that the protesters "have shown their violent nature and that they cannot stand political opponents." He asserted that "The state is functioning and will continue to work in line with the law."

The student-led movement is demanding early parliamentary elections, which they hope will lead to the ousting of Vucic's right-wing populist government. President Vucic has indicated that parliamentary elections could occur between September and November of this year. The protesters accuse the government of crime and corruption.

Initial reports of clashes emerged near a camp established by Vucic loyalists outside the Serbian presidency building. This camp was set up prior to a large antigovernment rally in March, intended as a buffer against protesters. Amidst the backdrop of folk music, the area was cordoned off by rows of riot police in full protective gear.

President Vucic has faced international criticism for his administration's handling of demonstrations over the past year, with accusations of arbitrary arrests and excessive force. Following a visit last week, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, expressed concern in a report, noting "reports of police protecting unidentified and often masked attackers of journalists and protesters." He also stated that the overall human rights situation in Serbia has worsened since his previous visit in April 2025.

Serbia is currently pursuing membership in the European Union while maintaining strong relationships with Russia and China. Concerns have been raised that democratic backsliding under Vucic's leadership could impact the country's accession process, potentially costing it approximately 1.5 billion euros.

The ongoing protests and the government's response raise questions about the future of democratic institutions and human rights in Serbia as it navigates its geopolitical relationships and aspirations for EU integration.