Serbia will face a “decisive and strong state response” in the coming days following three nights of unrest in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Valjevo, President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Sunday, warning that the country was in a state of “controlled chaos” that could quickly spiral out of control.
Speaking at the Palace of Serbia, Vučić said a state of emergency was not under consideration but promised that the public would soon witness “surprising decisions.” “It will look as if the state is retreating, but then there will be a strong and resolute action with all the means at our disposal,” he declared.
The president described the violence as the work of organized groups seeking to undermine trust in state institutions. “It is a matter of days before a murder happens,” Vučić cautioned, adding that unless the state reacts more forcefully, the unrest could lead to a “dangerous spiral of chaos.”
The protests, triggered by dissatisfaction with economic measures and election conditions, escalated into clashes with police, damage to government buildings and injuries to civilians. Opposition leaders accused the government of excessive force and political repression, while officials insisted the events were part of an “attempted destabilization.”
Though he did not reveal details of the government’s planned steps, Vučić confirmed that security services were working to identify and detain participants in the riots. He accused the opposition of fueling the protests for political gain, calling the turmoil a “battle for the future of the state.”
The Serbian leader also suggested that foreign actors were playing a role in encouraging the unrest, though he offered no concrete evidence to support the claim.