The Serbian opposition took to the streets of Belgrade and demanded that the election results be cancelled. The authorities accused her of trying to undermine the country's sovereignty

In the Serbian capital Belgrade, the local opposition staged protests demanding the cancellation of the results of the elections to the city parliament (assembly), which were won by the coalition led by incumbent President Aleksandar Vucic.

As TASS reports , protesters blocked the central street of the city, Kralja Milana, where the assembly buildings and the presidential residence are located. Protesters chanted “Vučić is a thief!” clarifies Reuters.

According to local press reports, protesters tried to break into the city's parliament building, throwing stones at it, damaging windows and doors. In response, police first urged the crowd to "refrain from entering the building" and then used tear gas and pepper spray to push back the demonstrators.

By the evening of December 24, at least 38 demonstrators were reported to have been detained. According to local authorities, about 30 police officers were injured during the clashes, one of whom was seriously injured. In turn, opposition representatives accused the police of “brutal treatment” of the demonstrators.

Amid the protests, President Vucic addressed the nation in which he called what was happening an attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty. “The region began to celebrate and talk about the successful revolution that is taking place. It is clear to you that this <...> is the result of many serious geopolitical circumstances, with the help of which they are trying to destroy the independence, autonomy and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia,” he said.

Vucic also promised not to make concessions to the protesting opposition, emphasizing that “power changes only in elections.”

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