Thousands protested in Novi Sad, Serbia, demanding snap general elections. The student-led movement alleges government mismanagement and corruption following a deadly railway station disaster, challenging President Aleksandar Vucic's long rule.
The protests highlight growing domestic opposition to President Vucic's government, fueled by public anger over alleged corruption and mismanagement, potentially impacting Serbia's political stability and its EU accession path.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Novi Sad, Serbia, on Saturday to demand early general elections, citing government mismanagement and corruption following a deadly railway station disaster. The student-led movement, which has seen protests turn violent at times, aims to challenge President Aleksandar Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party, who have been in power for 13 years.
Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, with speakers like university professor Sanja Belic emphasizing the need for free and fair elections. Activists accuse Vucic and his government of rigging elections, suppressing media freedom, and ties to organized crime, allegations that Vucic and his allies deny.
In response to the protests, Vucic stated that his supporters would hold their own rally on June 27. Serbia's aspirations to join the European Union are linked to its progress in improving the rule of law, including ensuring free and fair elections, strengthening the judiciary, and eradicating corruption and organized crime.
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