Belgrade, April 12: Vucic rally, new party and accusations against the West

On April 12, 2025, the largest rally in recent months took place in Belgrade in support of President Aleksandar Vucic.

According to the Association Press, thousands of supporters from all regions of Serbia, as well as representatives of Serbian communities from Kosovo and the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), attended the event.

The central slogan was the statement: "We will not give up Serbia" - essentially a direct response to the opposition protests of recent weeks. In addition, the rally participants chanted: "Serbia is one, not a Western colony", "Let's support our president!" and "We do not need someone else's democracy".

In his speech, Vucic announced the creation of a new political movement, “For the People and the State,” which, according to him, should go beyond party boundaries and unite “all those who value the independence and sovereignty of the country.”

Clashes and tensions

While Vucic was speaking, clashes between supporters and opponents of the government broke out in other parts of Belgrade. According to Reuters, protesters tried to block columns of buses taking rally participants to the capital. Police intervened to restore traffic.

The situation escalated sharply after President Vucic in his speech accused “Western intelligence services” of trying to organize a “color revolution” in Serbia. However, as AP emphasizes, he did not provide any concrete evidence.

Geopolitical rhetoric and international reaction

Analysts point out that accusations against the West have become part of a popular tactic in the Balkan region – mobilizing the electorate through the image of an external enemy.

As Politico reports , the EU expressed concern about what is happening in Serbia, calling for de-escalation and dialogue. The European Commissioner for Enlargement stressed that "support for the rights and freedoms of citizens is an integral part of Serbia's European path."

Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities have spoken of the need to respect territorial integrity and warned against the use of nationalist rhetoric. Kosovo officials have condemned the involvement of Kosovo Serbs in pro-government protests in Belgrade, calling it "an attempt to destabilize the region."

Conclusion

The April 12 rally was more than just a show of support for Vucic – it marked a strategic turn in policy: from defense to offense. The creation of a new movement, accusations against the West, and harsh rhetoric indicate growing polarization. The international reaction remains restrained but wary.