• Thousands gathered in Belgrade for a pro-government rally supporting President Vucic.
• The rally was organized as a counter to recent anti-government protests.
• Vucic announced a new political movement aimed at revitalizing support and addressing public grievances.
• Attendance was estimated at around 55,000, lower than the recent anti-government protests.
• Tensions rose between Vucic's supporters and anti-government activists.

On Saturday, thousands of supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gathered in Belgrade for a pro-government rally in response to months of unrest and public discontent. Attendance was reported to be around 55,000, according to monitoring organizations, as many traveled from surrounding regions, though this figure was notably lower compared to over 100,000 who attended a preceding anti-government protest last month. The rally took place in front of the National Assembly amid significant public demonstrations since a tragic railway station roof collapse last November, resulting in 16 fatalities linked to allegations of corruption and negligence related to Vucic's government, according to Reuters.

Vucic used the rally as a platform to announce the launch of a new political movement titled "Movement for the People and the State," which he asserted would "save" Serbia from external forces he claims are seeking to undermine the nation. "Each worker, each farmer is welcome; each person who earns an honest living, and fights for his children and his country, is welcome," he stated, indicating an inclusive approach intended to resonate with a broader segment of the population. Vucic characterized recent protests as orchestrated foreign interventions aimed at destabilizing Serbia, pushing back against accusations of corruption within his administration, reports TRT Global.

Despite the show of support, the atmosphere in Belgrade was tense. There were attempts by anti-government groups to obstruct buses carrying Vucic’s supporters, leading to confrontations and police intervention. In the backdrop of this rally, anti-government sentiment is still high as many continue to challenge the government's handling of infrastructure projects and alleged opacity in public procurement, culminating in protests where slogans like "corruption kills" have emerged. "Certain foreign powers cannot bear to see a free, independent, and sovereign Serbia," Vucic claimed during his speech, a statement reflecting his confrontational stance towards dissent, as noted by BBC.