0
Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have massed in Belgrade to call for early elections, amid growing anger over the economy and corruption.
Opposition leader Tomislav Nikolic told the crowd he was going on hunger strike until an election was called.
The rally comes three months after a similar protest in the capital.
President Boris Tadic has said Serbia needs stability and dismissed opposition ultimatums about election dates as "totally inappropriate".
The next election is scheduled for 2012.
But the BBC's Mark Lowen in Belgrade says the resurgent opposition, combined with news of the hunger strike, may make the call for a fresh poll hard to ignore.
'Veiled threats' Mr Nikolic's Progressive Party is seen as the strongest challenger to the Democratic Party, which leads the governing coalition.
"This is my personal act, I am no longer taking any food or water. Serbia deserves sacrifice," Mr Nikolic told the crowd.
Protesters carried party flags and banners with the slogans "Down with thieves" and "People want justice, work and progress".
more
Bookmarks