Serbia on the Brink: Protests Erupt Amid Claims of Corruption and Government Mismanagement
Since November, hundreds of thousands of Serbs have poured into the streets in a student-led wave of protests against corruption and mismanagement. These demonstrations, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the government, have been dismissed by President Aleksandar Vucic as a threat to peace, claiming they are funded by foreign intelligence agencies.
In a show of strength against the protesters, President Vucic is organizing his own gathering in the capital, Belgrade, over the weekend. On Friday, he joined his supporters in a parade where they marched through the city proudly carrying a massive 200-meter long Serbian flag. On Saturday, thousands are expected to participate in a march through the city, which includes booths providing free food and drinks for participants.
Various local authorities from around the country have arranged transportation for Vucic's supporters to attend the event in Belgrade. One supporter, Jadranka Milic, spoke to the news agency AFP, stating she was in attendance to "celebrate the victory of love and friendship."
During this weekend's gathering, President Vucic is set to announce the launch of a new political movement. Among the speakers will be Milorad Dodik, the controversial president of the Bosnian Serbs who is currently wanted internationally for his decision to strip Bosnia's federal police and judiciary of authority in his region.
However, while Vucic's supporters gather, protests continue unabated in various parts of Serbia. In Novi Pazar, located 300 kilometers south of Belgrade, thousands are marching against the government on the same day. The protests were largely ignited following a tragic incident in November, when a roof collapse at the newly renovated train station in Novi Sad resulted in the deaths of 16 people. For many citizens, this tragedy symbolized the failures of a corrupt state apparatus.
In March, the protests reached a boiling point with what has been described as the largest demonstration in Serbia in several decades. Protesters alleged that authorities had illegally deployed an acoustic cannon, a device that can cause serious injuries such as ruptured eardrums, against peaceful demonstrators. While the police confirmed the presence of the acoustic cannon, they asserted that it was never used.
The situation in Serbia remains tense as the government faces growing pressure from citizens demanding accountability and transparency. As the weekend approaches, the dual gatherings are indicative of a nation divided, with increasing calls for systemic change.
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