Police fired tear gas and stun grenades as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in central Belgrade demanding early parliamentary elections and the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic. Clashes erupted near the presidency building and city hall after a largely peaceful rally in Slavija Square, with some demonstrators setting rubbish bins on fire. Authorities said 23 people were detained and reported injuries among police officers.

The protest marks the latest surge in a youth-led anti-corruption movement that began after a deadly railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024 that killed 16 people. Demonstrators say the tragedy exposed broader mismanagement and corruption under Vucic's more than decade-long rule, accusations the president and his allies deny.

Crowds carried badges with red hands and banners declaring that students are winning, while speakers accused the government of fearing citizens defending their dignity and rights. Police estimated attendance at more than 34,000 people, while an independent monitoring group put the figure closer to 100,000, underscoring the scale of public discontent.