Serbian President accuses foreign actors of fueling domestic unrest

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said those seeking to destabilise Serbia are not based in the country, but abroad, and criticised domestic political elites for slowing economic growth.

Speaking to state broadcaster RTS, Vučić said, “Our economy is growing more slowly than it should, due to the irresponsible behaviour of part of the political elite and unrest deliberately provoked by certain actors. This is largely instigated from abroad.”

He indicated that elections would be held when necessary and could occur early if required.

Vučić reaffirmed Serbia’s support for the Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying the country would not interfere in its internal affairs or elections.

The president also announced that measures to curb rising prices would be introduced within the next ten days.

In 2025, Serbia was gripped by widespread anti-government protests, initially sparked by the tragic collapse of a renovated railway station roof in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which claimed 16 lives.

The disaster, widely attributed to government negligence and corruption, ignited public outrage that quickly spread across the country. Over the following months, peaceful demonstrations evolved into a broad movement, drawing students, workers, and opposition groups to demand accountability and systemic reforms.

By early 2025, protests intensified, culminating in a massive rally in Belgrade on March 15, which reportedly attracted over 100,000 participants, highlighting the scale of public discontent.

Throughout the spring and early summer, demonstrators continued to call for early elections and the prosecution of government officials responsible for negligence, while authorities accused foreign actors of attempting to destabilise the nation.

In August, unrest escalated further. In Novi Sad, protesters demolished offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, while police in Belgrade deployed tear gas to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries and arrests. International observers, including the Council of Europe, expressed concern over the use of force and urged restraint.

As the demonstrations continue, Serbia faces a volatile situation, with deepening divisions between government forces and citizens.

By Aghakazim Guliyev