Belgrade [Serbia], June 29 (HBTV): Thousands of protestors took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday demanding snap elections to end the 12-year rule of President Aleksandar Vucic, Al Jazeera reported.

The protest follows earlier demonstrations that began nearly eight months ago after the collapse of a newly renovated concrete rail station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Critics linked the incident to corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects.

The recent rally was led by Serbia’s university students, who have played a key role in sustained anti-government protests since the deadly incident. Al Jazeera noted that large contingents of riot police were deployed to monitor the protests, which took place around Slavija Square and Nemanjina Avenue.

Under mounting pressure, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned earlier this year. However, President Vucic, whose Serbian Progressive Party-led coalition holds 156 out of 250 seats in parliament, has refused calls for early elections and remains committed to serving his second term, which ends in 2027.

Hours before the rally, buses filled with Vucic’s supporters, many wearing T-shirts reading ‘We won’t give up Serbia’, arrived from various parts of the country. These groups joined other supporters who have been camping outside the president’s office in central Belgrade since mid-March.

Speaking to the media, President Vucic claimed that unspecified ‘foreign powers’ were behind the growing protests. He urged police to show restraint but warned, ‘Thugs will face justice.’

While Prime Minister Vucevic’s resignation addressed some immediate criticisms, public anger remains high over allegations of corruption and lack of accountability in government projects. The protestors continue to demand political change through early elections, arguing that institutional reforms are urgently needed to prevent future tragedies and misgovernance.

(ANI)