Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has issued a plea for calm following recent isolated clashes in Belgrade and other areas between activists affiliated with the ruling party and protesting students. Speaking during a visit to the State Data Centre in Kragujevac, Vucic addressed the tensions, stating, “I call on everyone to calm down. Let everyone present their programmes, let them express their positions, let them go to the podiums, but not call for killing, not call for violence.” He also questioned whether citizens should retaliate if they are attacked.
During the address, Vucic announced that early parliamentary elections in Serbia are anticipated within two to six months. He added that if his political opponents secure victory, he would offer his congratulations that same evening. Furthermore, Vucic stated that he is not aware of any public opinion polls indicating that the student movement is close in popularity to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
The protests are led by students who have organized blockades at over 60 faculties across Serbia during 2024 and 2025. These demonstrations have centered on anti-government demands and calls for anti-corruption measures, alongside the demand for early elections. The movement gained traction following a significant incident on November 1, 2024, in Novi Sad, when the concrete canopy of a recently renovated railway station collapsed, resulting in 16 fatalities and one serious injury.
The protesting students have indicated they will not participate in the upcoming vote, instead planning to support a candidate list composed of public figures with no prior involvement in national politics.
Topics: #calm #call #let
