Serbia faces alleged coup attempt as student protests rise

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, announced that Serbia was confronted with a "well-organised attempted coup," in which "all state institutions" were involved. According to the Beta agency, Vučić emphasised that various sectors took part in these activities, ranging from education to healthcare and power facilities.

"From primary and secondary schools, to universities and attempts within the healthcare system, to all power plants upon which life in Serbia depends. I need not even mention the police. Terrifying data will soon surface showing who was 'pumping' and who was negotiating with whom," the Serbian president listed. He also mentioned that "money, political advice, and guidance from abroad" contributed to organising these activities.

Vučić met with representatives of students who have been blocking more than 60 departments across the country since December. The students demand that authorities take responsibility for the deaths of 16 people in a construction accident at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024.

The student protests, which have brought tens of thousands of citizens to the streets, have gained support from various professional groups, including professors, teachers, farmers, lawyers, and actors. In May, students added a demand for the early organisation of elections to their list of demands.

President Vučić assured students "won't have to wait long for the elections," announcing that they will be held in "a year and a half." The elections should take place by the end of 2027 as planned.