Tens of Thousands Protest in Serbia, Demand Early Elections
Al Jazeera Staff
Tens of thousands of student-led protesters gathered in Belgrade on May 23, 2026, demanding early elections and anti-corruption reforms following the 2024 Novi Sad railway disaster. President Vucic has promised elections between September and November, but faces criticism over his handling of the protests.
On May 23, 2026, tens of thousands of student-led protesters flooded the central square of Serbia's capital, Belgrade, carrying banners and wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "Students Win"—the slogan of the youth movement.
The protest originated from the Novi Sad railway disaster in November 2024, which killed 16 people. The incident sparked anti-corruption demonstrations demanding a transparent investigation and forcing then-Prime Minister Milos Vucevic to resign. However, President Aleksandar Vucic later mounted a strong counteroffensive against the protesters.
The student-led movement quickly expanded into a campaign calling on President Vucic to hold early elections. This week, Vucic announced that elections could be held between September and November of this year.
Car convoys from other Serbian towns began pouring into Belgrade early in the morning. Protester Maja Milas Markovic said, "The students brought us here with their youth and incredible energy; I truly believe we have the right to live normally."
Serbia's state railway company canceled all trains to and from Belgrade on Saturday in an attempt to partially stem the flow of people from other regions. Meanwhile, supporters of President Vucic gathered at a park outside the presidential building, where he had previously set up a tent before a major protest in March 2026 as a human shield. The fenced area was surrounded by riot police, with folk music blaring from loudspeakers.
The students insist the protest will be peaceful, but there are concerns about the risk of violent clashes with Vucic's supporters, who often wear masks and have previously attacked students.
Journalist Tetyana Kekic in Belgrade noted the protests enjoy "broad public support" as a comprehensive movement against the government. However, the challenge is that the protesters lack "a clear political or policy platform" and have no leader capable of genuinely challenging the president.
President Vucic's response to the protesters has drawn international criticism. Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner, criticized the Serbian government in a report earlier this week and said he would "closely monitor the situation."
Serbia is seeking to join the European Union (EU) but maintains close ties with Russia and China. Signs of democratic backsliding under Vucic could cost the country about 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion) from EU support funds, according to a warning from the EU's top enlargement official last month.
The May 23 protest took place at Slavija Square in Belgrade, site of a major protest in March 2025 that ended abruptly amid suspicions of sonic weapons being used against protesters—something the government denies. Students now plan to challenge Vucic in the upcoming elections, hoping to oust the right-wing populist government. Meanwhile, Vucic and pro-government media have labeled critics as "terrorists" and "foreign agents," deepening political polarization.
