On Friday, tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, in a lively show of support ahead of a major anti-government rally set for the weekend. This marked a setback for populist President Aleksandar Vucic.

The people of Belgrade gathered to welcome thousands of university students who had travelled from all over the country to join the Saturday rally, which is expected to attract an even larger crowd. Saturday's protest resulted from months of anti-corruption demonstrations in the Balkan country, marking the biggest challenge yet to Vucic's firm control over Serbia for the past decade. The streets were filled with flares, fireworks, and crowds waving flags, creating a striking contrast to the weeks of fear-spreading tactics used by Vucic's populist supporters to discourage people from joining the rally.

The authoritarian leader has repeatedly warned that violence might occur at the rally and has threatened to arrest anyone involved in any incidents. Meanwhile, Vucic's supporters have been camping in the city centre, raising concerns about possible clashes with protesters. At a press conference on Friday evening, Vucic remained defiant, stating again that authorities had received multiple reports of planned unrest. He also called Saturday's rally "illegal." Vucic repeated his claims that Western intelligence agencies were behind the protests, aiming to remove him from power. "I do not accept blackmail, I will not agree to pressure, I am the president of Serbia and I won't allow the street to set the rules," Vucic said. 

Students have been leading a nationwide anti-corruption movement in Serbia. The movement began over four months ago after a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in the north, killing 15 people. Six opposition activists were earlier arrested by police on suspicion of "preparing actions against the constitutional order and security" after a purported recording of their meeting was shown on pro-government television stations on Thursday. "The Serbian state will do everything to secure peace," Vucic said. "Those disrupting peace will be arrested and severely punished." The demonstrators appeared unconcerned. "I came to support my friends, colleagues and all the citizens who think for themselves, to fight for a more just Serbia," stated Marko Vukovic, a Belgrade student.

Many people expressed their emotions—some cried, some laughed, and others screamed with joy. The protesting students have connected with citizens who feel let down by politicians and have lost trust in state institutions. In other Serbian cities, past student-led rallies have remained peaceful while still attracting large crowds. In Belgrade, tensions rose when supporters of President Vucic, including former paramilitary fighters, set up a camp in a park near the presidency building. On Friday, tractors were parked around the camp. Authorities announced that the parliament building across the street will remain locked for the next three days due to security reasons. Additionally, railway services and many bus routes to Belgrade have been suspended. 

The European Union's mission in Serbia responded to the tensions by declaring on Friday that "freedom of assembly is a fundamental right" and that participants' and institutions' safety must be guaranteed. "Violence must be avoided," the EU said. Serbia is officially applying to join the European Union, but its ruling populist government has been accused of restricting democratic freedoms while building closer ties with Russia and China.