Rival rallies in Nis: Vucic to address supporters as students demand snap elections

Vucic, who initiated the new political movement earlier this year, is expected to speak at a major gathering in King Milan Square around 6 pm, where government supporters will rally under the banner of what he previously called a “People’s Assembly.” The president invited citizens via Instagram to attend the event, promoting a message of progress and development.

“I invite everyone to come and hear a different program. You’ll hear from many fellow citizens entering politics for the first time, aiming to make Niš a city of progress, with new factories, new facilities, science and technology parks—and for it to advance much faster than in the past,” Vucic said.

Just a short distance away, at King Alexander Square, a student-led protest titled “Let’s (choose to) fight” is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm. The students—part of the ongoing university blockade movement—say their aim is to send a powerful message demanding early elections, not to incite unrest.

“Our goal is clear—to demand snap elections, not to provoke incidents,” organisers stated, adding that they will demonstrate peacefully, with dignity and positive energy.

To maintain order, the students have released a list of behaviour guidelines for the protest, explicitly prohibiting provocations, incidents, and the throwing of eggs or other objects. Protesters are also asked to avoid approaching restricted or barricaded areas of the city.

Organisers are encouraging participants to bring kitchen pots, vuvuzelas, drums, whistles, and banners to amplify their dissatisfaction. They say that today’s protest will be a key moment when citizens’ discontent is heard “louder and clearer than ever.”

With both events taking place within close proximity and overlapping timeframes, authorities are expected to be on high alert to prevent any potential clashes between the two groups.