Serbia’s capital braces for a major anti-government rally as tensions mount

Serbia's capital erupts in anti-government rally, tensions rise as protesters clash with supporters in Belgrade.

A deafening sound of whistles and vuvuzelas echoed throughout downtown Belgrade on Saturday (March 15, 2025) as Serbia's capital geared up for a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government.

Huge crowds have been converging on downtown Belgrade for the gathering seen as a culmination of months of almost daily anti-corruption protests that have posed the biggest challenge to Mr. Vucic's 13-year firm grip on power in Serbia.

Reflecting mounting tensions, police said they arrested a man who rammed his car into protesters in a Belgrade suburb, injuring three people.

Ahead of the demonstration, Mr. Vucic repeatedly warned of alleged plans for unrest while threatening arrests and harsh sentences for any incidents.

In an apparent effort to prevent people from attending the rally, Belgrade city transport was cancelled Saturday (March 15, 2025) while huge columns of cars jammed the roads leading into the capital. The transport company said the cancellation was made “for security reasons.”

On Friday (March 14, 2025) evening, tens of thousands of people staged a joyous welcome for the students who have been marching or cycling for days from across Serbia toward Belgrade for the main rally on Saturday (March 15, 2025) afternoon. From early morning, people started assembling in various parts of the city, preparing to march toward the centre.

Fueling fears of clashes, Mr. Vucic's supporters have been camping in central Belgrade in front of his headquarters. The crowd included ex-members of a dreaded paramilitary unit involved in the assassination in 2003 of Serbia's first democratic Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, as well as soccer hooligans who are known for causing violence.