Major anti-government protests demanding early general elections broke out in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, resulting in clashes with police and the arrest of dozens of demonstrators, according to reports from the BBC and other foreign media outlets.
According to foreign media, 140,000 people gathered on June 28 (local time) in the area around Slavija Square in central Belgrade for the large-scale anti-government protest.
The protest, led by university students, saw participants condemning the mismanagement of President Aleksandar Vucic and demanding early general elections.
As the protest escalated, police responded by firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, and dozens of protesters were arrested.
President Vucic claimed on social media that the protesters were supporting a foreign conspiracy to usurp national sovereignty, stating, "They tried to overthrow Serbia, but they failed."
In Serbia, large-scale anti-government protests have continued since November last year, when the collapse of the roof at the train station in Novi Sad, the country's second-largest city, killed 16 people. This tragedy became a catalyst for widespread public anger over rampant corruption and President Vucic's mismanagement.
However, President Vucic has repeatedly claimed that the anti-corruption protests are being led by university students who are funded by foreign intelligence agencies and are attempting to overthrow the regime. He has consistently rejected demands for early general elections and his resignation.
Serbia operates under a parliamentary cabinet system in which the prime minister holds official authority, but President Vucic is the de facto leader. He first came to power as prime minister in 2014, and after winning consecutive presidential elections in 2017 and 2022, he has continued to pursue a strongly pro-Russian stance and authoritarian rule.
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