In Belgrade, the largest protest against Vucich has been the largest action over the past months. After the rally, dozens of people were detained • The Insider • RIMA — Russian Independent Media Archive
In Belgrade on Saturday, June 28, the largest rally against President Alexander Vuchich has passed in recent months - according to independent observers, up to 140 thousand people took part in it. Protesters, among whom many students, demanded early elections and accused the authorities of corruption and incompetence. After the rally ended, clashes with the police began, dozens of participants were detained.
The action became the culmination of the eight -month campaign, which is headed by students. It began after the collapse of the concrete canopy at the new railway station on November 1, 2024 - then 16 people were killed. The cause of the tragedy is considered negligence and corruption in infrastructure projects, and responsible - close to the authorities of the contractors.
“Today, June 28, 2025, we declare the current power of illegitimate,” said one of the rally participants from the stage. After the official part was completed, the demonstrator tried to go to the park next to the residence of Vuchich, where since March there is a tent camp of his supporters. The police cordoned off the area, clashes began.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, six police officers were injured, the number of victims among demonstrators is not specified. The police said that she applied the power “to restore order” and that the “hooligans who attacked the police” were detained. The AP agency writes that some protesters were in masks and used street objects to protect against the police, but these actions are not recorded in available photographs.
"Serbia - Live"
President Wucich reacted to the events on Instagram: "Serbia always wins." On the same day, he held in Belgrade the ceremony of presenting state awards, demonstrating that he retains control over the situation. The presidential and parliamentary elections in the country are scheduled for 2027, the authorities ignore the requirements for early voting.
Although formally, Vuchich declares a course on European integration, his actions are increasingly conflicting with the EU position. In May, he flew to Moscow for the celebration of Victory Day, despite the direct warning of the European Commission about the possible consequences for negotiations on the entry of Serbia into the Union. In Moscow, Vuchich met with Vladimir Putin and probably discussed gas supply and American sanctions against NIS, more than half belonging to Gazprom.
The previous large rally in Belgrade was held on March 15, 2025 under the slogan “15 for 15”-according to the number of people who died in the collapsed canopy at the station in Novi-Sad. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 107 thousand people took part in it, but independent media called this action the largest in the modern history of the country. Despite the rain, the crowd filled the city center, and the protesters fell silent for 15 minutes in memory of the dead. The action was organized by students who have been heading the anti -corruption movement since November. Soon after the start of the rally, they interrupted him due to the “threat of security”, but thousands of people remained on the streets.
