Serbia on Edge: Vucic Vows Crackdown Amid Escalating Protests

BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has declared his intent to implement severe measures against anti-government demonstrators, following a weekend of widespread civil unrest that has intensified challenges to his increasingly autocratic rule. Despite Vucic’s warnings, thousands continued their protests on Sunday across various Serbian cities, including the capital, Belgrade, demanding the release of recently detained individuals.

In a televised address, Vucic characterized the protests as ‘pure terrorism,’ reiterating claims that the months-long demonstrations are orchestrated by Western powers to destabilize Serbia. He warned of imminent danger to the country and its values, alleging a scheme to install ‘anarcho-leftist’ authorities, though he provided no evidence. Vucic stated, ‘Unless we undertake tougher steps it is a question of days when they (protesters) will kill someone,’ emphasizing the state’s resolve to restore order.

These stern warnings follow five consecutive nights of clashes between protesters, police, and Vucic loyalists. On Saturday evening, demonstrators reportedly torched offices of Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party in western Serbia and clashed with riot police in Belgrade and Novi Sad, prompting the use of tear gas against stun grenades and bottles.

While not specifying the exact measures, Vucic indicated a state response within a week, affirming, ‘You will witness the determination of the state of Serbia. We will use everything at our disposal to restore peace and order in the country.’ The recent escalation marks a significant turn after over nine months of largely peaceful protests, initially sparked by a fatal train station canopy collapse, which critics attribute to systemic corruption under Vucic’s leadership.

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