Serbia President Aleksandar Vučić Faces Mass Protests and Announces Resignation

Mass protests have engulfed Serbia after an anti‑corruption rally in Belgrade drew up to one million participants. Demonstrators cite the November 1 building collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people and broader accusations of corruption under President Aleksandar Vučić. Over 500,000 citizens signed a petition demanding an independent inquiry into alleged use of a direct‑energy (sonic) weapon by police, a claim the interior minister has denied.

The sustained street movement, driven largely by student groups, forced Vučić at the end of June to announce his intention to step down and call for early parliamentary elections. Critics argue the resignation may be a tactical reshuffle of his power base rather than a genuine concession. The unrest, now entering its second year, has heightened political uncertainty throughout the Balkans.