On April 12, 2025, approximately 55,000 supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić gathered in front of the National Assembly in Belgrade. This pro-government rally was organized in response to ongoing anti-corruption protests that have been challenging Vučić’s leadership since November 2024. The protests were initially sparked by the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 fatalities and raised allegations of government negligence and corruption.
During the rally, Vučić introduced a new political initiative called the “Movement for the People and the State,” aiming to consolidate support amid the unrest. He accused foreign intelligence agencies of orchestrating the anti-government protests, though he did not provide specific evidence. The event also featured messages of support from regional allies, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik.
Despite the significant turnout, the pro-government rally was notably smaller than the anti-government demonstrations held in March, which saw an estimated 325,000 participants, marking the largest protest in Serbia’s history. The ongoing protests have expanded beyond the initial incident, encompassing broader concerns about corruption, media freedom, and democratic governance.
Tensions between the government and opposition have escalated, with reports of confrontations between demonstrators and authorities, as well as increased crackdowns on dissent. Critics argue that Vučić’s response to the protests indicates a shift toward authoritarianism, raising concerns about the future of democratic institutions in Serbia
