Serbian security forces clashed with tens of thousands of demonstrators in Belgrade on Saturday, as growing calls for early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year tenure reached a boiling point.

An estimated 140,000 protesters flooded the capital’s streets in what has become the largest rally in recent months, many led by student groups frustrated with alleged government corruption and democratic backsliding.

Demonstrators chanted “We want elections!” as police deployed tear gas and stun grenades in attempts to disperse the crowd. Dozens were arrested during the chaotic scenes.

President Vucic, in a post shared via Instagram, claimed the protests were part of a foreign-backed plot to destabilize the nation. “They tried to overthrow Serbia, and they have failed,” he declared.

A day prior, on Friday, June 27, Serbia’s Higher Court confirmed that five individuals had been arrested over alleged attempts to stage a coup.

Interior Minister Bratislav Gašić condemned what he described as “violent acts by protesters,” vowing that those behind the unrest would face legal consequences.

The demonstrations, which began late last year, were initially sparked by public outrage over the deadly collapse of Novi Sad’s train station roof in November 2024 a tragedy that claimed 16 lives. Protesters have blamed government negligence and entrenched corruption for the incident, which led to the resignation of the prime minister.

The protest movement has since grown to include students, farmers, teachers, and labor unions, fueling sustained national unrest that has unsettled the ruling Progressive Party.

President Vucic, who still commands a majority in parliament, has repeatedly refused to call early elections. His party controls 156 of the 250 seats in the National Assembly.

Opposition figures accuse the government of authoritarian practices, corruption, links to organized crime, and stifling press freedom—all claims denied by Vucic and his allies.

Vucic’s foreign policy stance has also drawn scrutiny. Although Serbia is an EU candidate, the government has maintained strong ties with Russia and has not joined Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.

On Saturday, demonstrators voiced concern over the erosion of public institutions. “There’s too much corruption. Elections are the answer, but I doubt Vucic will leave peacefully,” said Sladjana Lojanovic, a farmer from northern Serbia, who traveled to the capital to support the students.

As the protest concluded, organizers issued a fiery message to the crowd. “It’s time for the people to reclaim their freedom,” they said, criticizing the government for choosing confrontation over dialogue. “The regime had every opportunity to prevent this escalation. Any future turmoil is entirely on their hands.”