Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has threatened severe measures against anti-government protesters following violent riots that have rocked the country for five consecutive nights. The escalating clashes mark a dangerous turn in months-long demonstrations against Vučić’s increasingly autocratic rule, with protesters torching ruling party offices and police deploying tear gas against crowds.
The central figures are Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić (a populist leader) and thousands of anti-government protesters. The demonstrations involve citizens across multiple Serbian cities, with police forces and Vučić loyalists opposing them.
Violent clashes have erupted between protesters and security forces, culminating in protesters burning down Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party offices in western Serbia. Vučić responded with a televised address vowing “tougher steps” against what he called “pure terrorism,” while protesters continue demanding his resignation and the release of detained demonstrators.
The events unfolded over five consecutive nights leading up to August 17, 2025. The most recent protests occurred on Sunday, August 17, following Vučić’s threats. The broader protest movement began over nine months ago.
The riots and protests have spread across Serbia, with significant clashes in Belgrade (the capital), Novi Sad, and western Serbian towns. Key incidents include attacks on ruling party offices and confrontations near government buildings.
The unrest originated from public outrage over a train station canopy collapse that killed 16 people, which many blamed on corruption in state infrastructure projects. Broader grievances include accusations of democratic backsliding, crackdowns on civil liberties, and Vučić’s alleged tolerance of organized crime. Protesters view his threats as confirmation of authoritarian tendencies.
Protesters have employed increasingly confrontational tactics, including hurling stun grenades, flares, and bottles at police, while setting fire to ruling party buildings. Police have responded with tear gas and mass detentions. Vučić has framed the protests as Western-backed attempts to install “anarcho-leftist” authorities, though he provided no evidence for these claims.
Scores of protesters have been injured and detained, with human rights groups documenting allegations of excessive police force. The violence represents the most serious challenge to Vučić’s decade-long rule, damaging Serbia’s international image as an EU membership candidate. The crisis has deepened societal divisions and prompted Vučić to seek support from Russia, which he praised for backing him against a “colored revolution.”
Vučić has promised decisive state action within days to “restore peace and order,” though he ruled out declaring a state of emergency. Protest organizers vow to continue demonstrations until all detained activists are released and Vučić resigns. The situation remains volatile, with potential for further violence as both sides refuse to back down.