Serbia descended into chaos over the weekend as thousands of opposition supporters rallied in the capital Belgrade, accusing President Aleksandar Vučić and his governing party of rigging recent parliamentary elections. Protesters clashed with riot police while attempting to storm city hall, prompting officers to fire tear gas to disperse the crowds. The unrest casts further doubt on the legitimacy of the vote and illustrates growing polarization in the Balkan nation.
Election Irregularities Spark Outcry
Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) declared victory earlier this month after preliminary results showed it winning over 60% of the vote on December 17. However, opposition groups and independent monitors cited numerous irregularities including voter intimidation and the bussing of SNS supporters to polling stations [1].
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe determined the elections were “characterized by intense political polarization and lack of transparency from authorities” [2]. Both the European Union and United States also questioned the integrity of the process.
| Key Events | |
|---|---|
| December 17 | Parliamentary elections held, SNS claims victory with over 60% of vote |
| December 18 | Opposition and monitors allege voter fraud and intimidation |
| December 19 | EU and US express concerns about electoral irregularities |
| December 24 | Thousands protest in Belgrade, clashes erupt at city hall |
While Vučić dismissed demands for a re-vote, saying “there will be no repeat elections”, outrage continued mounting as more evidence of alleged tampering emerged [3].
Thousands Rally for New Elections
Tensions reached a boiling point on December 24 when organizers called for mass demonstrations against the disputed polls. Chanting “Vučić Thief” and waving European Union flags, protesters filled central Belgrade to urge fresh elections under fair conditions [4].
“We are sending a clear message that the citizens of Serbia will not put up with electoral fraud,” said Jovan Jovanović, an opposition member of parliament. He vowed to continue a hunger strike launched after the vote until authorities grant a rerun.
As crowds swelled into the evening, hundreds broke away from the main rally at Republic Square and marched to City Hall. Video showed protesters pelting the building with stones, smashing windows, and attempting to batter down doors behind police barricades [5].
Officers in full riot gear responded by firing rounds of tear gas which blanketed surrounding streets in smoke. At least 70 demonstrators were arrested in the clashes before authorities cleared the area early Sunday, while two officers sustained minor injuries [6].
Vučić Condemns Violence, Rejects Concessions
President Vučić addressed the nation Sunday morning, condemning the previous night’s “hooligan” violence but refusing to nullify results despite doubts over their credibility. He accused opposition leaders of stoking tensions irresponsibly.
“I am ready to take responsibility for mistakes, but I cannot take responsibility for lies,” Vučić asserted, warning he would not cave in to “blackmail” or allow protesters to “seize power they did not win at the election” [7].
Meanwhile, critics argued Vučić has steered Serbia towards authoritarianism during nearly a decade in office. Once an ultra-nationalist spokesman for Serbian strongman Slobodan Milošević in the 1990s, he rebranded as a pro-EU progressive promising reform and stability.
But observers say Vučić has systematically extended control over media outlets and weakened oversight institutions since becoming president in 2017. He currently serves as acting interior minister responsible for police who clashed with demonstrators.
“Many liken Vučić to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán – an EU-friendly populist and conservative who has a stranglehold on the media and deep ties to crony tycoons,” summarized Euractiv [8].
Aftermath and Next Steps
Looking ahead, Vučić gave no indication of seeking compromise and appears determined to push forward with forming a new government led by longtime ally Ana Brnabić, currently serving as Prime Minister. However, doing so absent an open investigation into electoral flaws may only energize opposition forces gearing up for the long haul.
“The protests must continue over the long term and through the entire country,” said MP Marinika Tepić, a firebrand within the broader anti-SNS coalition. She advocates sustained civil disobedience akin to mass movements which recently forced regime change in countries like Sudan and Sri Lanka [9].
Meanwhile, Brussels finds itself in an increasingly awkward position. Seeking stability above all, EU officials have largely ignored Vučić’s democratic backsliding and strong ties with Russia that could threaten Balkan integration hopes. But cracks emerged last week when Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi warned that Serbian aspirations for membership may founder without “an election process which the people can have confidence in” [10].
With neither side looking to back down in this high-stakes showdown, Serbia faces an extended period of political uncertainty with major questions surrounding its geopolitical trajectory. Ultimately Vučić and his party may cling to power but likely at the cost of social stability, their democratic credentials, and slowing a decade-long effort towards deeper Western integration.
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