Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Saturday after 18 months of anti-government protests led by students. He also declared that Serbia will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections. The demonstrations began after a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024 killed 16 people, sparking public outrage over alleged corruption and mismanagement in government construction projects.

Vucic, who has been in power for 12 years as president or prime minister, said he would step down within weeks but did not specify a date or when parliament would be dissolved. His term was originally due to end in mid-2027. Analysts believe Vucic’s move could allow him to return as prime minister if his Serbian Progressive Party wins the upcoming elections. Opposition groups and student activists have vowed to challenge him and his party at the polls.

Vucic promised reforms, including anti-corruption measures and social spending increases, while denying accusations of corruption and media suppression. Serbia remains a candidate for European Union membership but continues to balance ties with Russia and China.

Serbia witnessed large-scale anti-government protests on Saturday as thousands of people, led by university students, gathered in the capital Belgrade demanding early elections. Demonstrators chanted slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, accusing him of authoritarian rule. The rally, which began peacefully at a central square, later turned tense when a group of young protesters clashed with riot police. Stones and bottles were thrown at police barricades, prompting officers to use pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Authorities reported that 23 people were detained following the confrontation.

The protests come amid growing discontent with Vucic’s government, which has faced criticism for its strict control over the Balkan nation. Demonstrations initially began in November 2024 after a tragic train station accident in northern Serbia sparked demands for accountability. More than a year later, the renewed mass turnout in Belgrade indicates that public frustration remains strong.

The continued unrest suggests that political tensions in Serbia are unlikely to subside soon, as citizens persist in calling for greater transparency and democratic reforms.

Serbia’s anti-government protests have intensified despite severe police resistance, with demonstrators targeting the ruling Serbian Progressive Party’s offices in Valjevo.

On Saturday, police in Belgrade fired tear gas to disperse crowds, while protesters in Valjevo attacked party offices. The demonstrations, ongoing for months, have surged following allegations of police brutality against activists.

Clashes earlier in the week left 27 police officers and nearly 80 civilians injured, with 47 people arrested.

What began as a largely peaceful movement has now transformed into a volatile wave of unrest, with tensions continuing to mount across the country.

A wave of protests has erupted in Serbia’s capital, with thousands rallying against government corruption and inefficiency. The movement began in November after a railway station collapse in Novi Sad killed 15 people. What started as a student-led protest has now drawn widespread public support. Demonstrators plan a major rally in front of Parliament at 4 PM local time, demanding accountability for the disaster and an end to systemic corruption across all levels of government. The city is now under the protesters’ control.