Police clashed with anti-government protesters in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on Saturday night, as demonstrators demanded an early parliamentary election and an end to the rule of President Aleksandar Vucic.

Officers in riot gear used pepper spray to disperse crowds after flares were thrown near a counterprotest by Vucic supporters.

Earlier protesters, led by students, issued an ultimatum, saying the government must call a snap election or face a civil disobedience campaign. The main demonstration then ended, but some protesters marched toward the pro-government rally outside parliament. Many were wearing goggles, masks and helmets. 

Police detained several dozen protesters, while six police officers were reported injured in clashes, according to Dragan Vasiljevic, the director of police.

Vucic blames foreign influence as students push for early vote

Saturday's clashes came after months of anti-government demonstrations that were sparked by a deadly rail station collapse in late 2024 that killed 16 people and was widely blamed on government corruption and negligence.

Vucic has repeatedly rejected calls for an early election and accused unnamed "foreign powers" of fueling the protests.

"The country will be defended, and thugs will face justice," he told reporters in Belgrade on Saturday.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are set for 2027.

Vucic's refusal has only energized demonstrators, particularly university students, who have become a driving force behind the movement.

"The reluctance of Vucic makes it all the more important to be there now," said Tara, a student who only gave DW her first name. "We want to show the president that we want elections. The fight is not over, and the protests are not over yet."

"Realistically, we have to prolong the protest a little longer," added Kristina.

"But we're almost at the finish line," said Teodora. "Vucic is on his last legs."

In a now routine pre-protest crackdown, more than a dozen people have been arrested, including five on Friday who were remanded for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, according to Serbia's Higher Court.

Vucic supporters stage counter rally

Thousands of Vucic supporters gathered near parliament in a counter-demonstration.

Jasmina Matovic, a tax administration employee from Cacak in central Serbia, voiced her support for the ruling government.

"I support the best president in Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic. I support the honest people of Serbia, not these blockade politicians who want to lead Serbia into a catastrophe," she told DW.

Students have also called for the removal of pro-government encampments set up by Vucic loyalists in Pionirski Park.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic