Today, citizens protested in front of the City Hall in Novi Sad, hurling eggs, red paint, and toilet paper at both the police and the building itself.

This demonstration was a response to the city government’s recent appointment of a new mayor, whom opposition figures described as “unworthy” and accused of organizing “thugs” for the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

During the session, councilors from the ruling coalition led by the SNS, alongside the Socialist Party of Serbia and the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians, confirmed Žarko Mićin as the new mayor of Novi Sad.

Only councilors from the ruling coalition participated in the session, while police and security forces barred opposition members from entering the parliament building.

Reports indicate the police acted violently, forcibly removing councilors, leading to injuries among some.

This protest was organized by the united Novi Sad opposition, whose members tried to enter the parliament but faced harsh physical resistance from police.

Subsequently, gendarmerie units arrived and established a cordon where citizens had removed a metal fence.

Mićin’s election as mayor occurred following the resignation of Milan Đurić, who stepped down after SNS members assaulted students, leaving one female student with a broken jaw.

Opposition leaders previously declared Žarko Mićin as unfit for the mayor’s role.

They accused Mićin of being responsible for leading individuals who resort to violence against citizens and pointed to his ties to former mayor and current Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vučević.

The opposition remarked, “The government is attempting to impose a new mayor against the will of the majority of citizens, suggesting a return to normalcy in the city and country, while disregarding ongoing protests and the accountability for the deaths of 15 individuals in Novi Sad.”

The SNS government, they claimed, has lost all legitimacy and no longer represents the populace.

Novi Sad Police Department: Five police officers injured

The Novi Sad Police Department reported that “five officers sustained injuries as some citizens attempted to breach the police cordon near the Novi Sad City Assembly and are now receiving medical treatment.”

The department stated, “Claims that police impeded opposition councilors from entering the City Assembly and attending the session are false. The City Assembly’s Secretary invited the opposition councilors to participate, but they declined the invitation and tried to force their way in alongside the demonstrators.”

The report elaborated that “a number of individuals present aimed projectiles, stones, eggs, yogurt, paint, and other items at police officers without provocation”, asserting that the police “acted solely to ensure the operations of the City Assembly and maintain public order and peace”.

It was also noted that one officer utilized “an irritant spray, in compliance with the law, to counter the attack.”

The Police Department indicated that criminal or misdemeanor charges will be filed against those responsible for assaulting law enforcement officers.

Police arrived equipped for riot control with shields, helmets, and canine units

A reporter from the Beta agency noted that a significant police presence had been established at the Novi Sad City Assembly and across the street at the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina from early that morning.

Police in riot gear, including shields, helmets, and with police dogs, arrived via bus and numerous police vehicles.

There has been a consistent police presence at recent parliamentary sessions since November 1, following a tragedy at the Novi Sad Railway Station that resulted in 15 fatalities and multiple serious injuries.

Since that incident, protests have accompanied parliamentary sessions, prompting the ruling majority to have police support at each gathering.

A metal fence was put up around the Novi Sad City Assembly building yesterday.

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