BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Tensions mounted in Serbia on Saturday ahead of a major rally in support of populist President Aleksandar Vucic as he pledged to regain control following months of massive anti-corruption protests that have shaken his firm grip on power in the Balkan country.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic declared the launch of a new political movement on Saturday as he rallied nationalist supporters in Belgrade to push back against months of protests against him.

The large anti-corruption protests, which began after a deadly train station canopy collapse last year, have challenged the right-wing populist Aleksandar Vucic's rule.