Belgrade, Serbia – Riot police fired tear gas at thousands of anti-government protesters in Serbia’s capital on Saturday, as demonstrators demanded an early parliamentary election. The protest, which drew tens of thousands of people, was the latest in a series of anti-Vucic rallies that have been taking place for nearly eight months.
The protesters, who chanted “We want elections!” and filled central Slavija Square, clashed with police who were trying to prevent them from approaching a downtown park. Several protesters were handcuffed by police, and an officer was injured during the ongoing street battles.
President Aleksandar Vucic’s firm grip on power has been rattled by the persistent dissent, which has been led by university students. The protests have been fueled by widespread corruption and government negligence in state infrastructure projects.
Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have repeatedly refused the demand for an early vote, accusing protesters of planning to spur violence from abroad. However, despite relentless pressure, the resolve of the protesters persists, with many believing that elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the government’s actions.
The protests come as tensions between Serbia and neighboring countries, such as Croatia and Montenegro, remain high. Authorities have made efforts to suppress dissent, including banning entry into the country for several people from abroad and halting train service over an alleged bomb threat.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/serbia-protest-students-elections-vucic-5b3825302a59991c4ad4046c80e7ce45