Anti-government protests in Serbia turned violent for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, as clashes broke out between demonstrators and supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic.
In the northern city of Novi Sad, Vucic’s supporters hurled flares at protesters near the ruling Serbian Progressive Party’s offices, prompting demonstrators to smash windows, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.
Riot police were deployed, and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic reported at least one injured officer, urging a “return of law and order.”
Thousands rallied across the country, including in Belgrade, where police fired tear gas to disperse crowds. Similar scenes unfolded in Kraljevo, Kragujevac, Cacak, and Nis, though there were no immediate reports of injured protesters on Wednesday.
The unrest follows Tuesday’s violence in Vrbas, where police separated rival groups outside the ruling party’s offices. Authorities said dozens were injured, including 16 officers, and several people were detained.
The protests, led by university students, began in November after a train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 16 people, sparking accusations of corruption in state infrastructure projects. Demonstrators are demanding early elections and the resignation of Dacic.
Vucic, who has ruled for 13 years and maintains close ties with Russia and China, has refused to call early polls. Pro-government media have labeled protesters “terrorists,” while demonstrators accuse government supporters of instigating the violence.
Serbia, an EU membership candidate, remains deeply polarized, with the latest clashes raising fears of further unrest.
