Belgrade streets see big protests over election demands

Thousands took to the streets of Serbia’s capital this weekend, calling for early elections and an end to President Vucic’s long time in power. The protests began over a year ago after a roof collapse at a train station killed several people and raised serious questions about government responsibility. What started as concerns about safety quickly turned into wider anger against corruption and poor leadership. Police responded with heavy force, using tear gas and stun grenades to push back crowds near government buildings. Protesters reacted by setting fire to trash bins, creating a tense scene in the city center. Some demonstrators wore red hand badges with the words "Your hands are bloody, " while others held signs like "The students are winning, " showing their frustration.The government claims it has taken action against those responsible for the roof collapse, but critics argue these steps don’t go far enough. Opposition leaders and activists say the real issue is deeper mismanagement across many areas. The president’s supporters have also been camping in a Belgrade park since last year, adding to the divided public mood. Estimates on crowd size varied widely—police counted around 34, 000 people, while independent groups said over 100, 000 showed up. Among them was Dragan Djuric, a farmer from Sabac, who said he came to show how many people want change. A university leader told the crowd that the government fears citizens standing up for their rights.