Is It Over For Aleksandar Vučić?
Since his accession to power, Vučić has created an environment of political secrecy, intense governmental power over state owned media, and control of the narrative. This, however, has begun to collapse with intense public unrest in Serbia sparked by the collapse of a newly renovated concrete canopy at a train station in Novi Sad tragically killing 15 people.
Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš to voice their discontent with the government. Students, professors, farmers, shopkeepers, everyday citizens decided to have their voice heard as the state media was not willing to give them a platform. They were calling for governmental reform and media independence in hope of improving the country that so many call home.
Among them was a Serbian student, attending their first protest. "I was at the protest because it was the least I could do after what happened," they explained. When asked about Vučić's potential response to the protests, their answer was decisive: "No. He will do everything to stay in power, which he has shown since the protests began. But that's exactly why we must put pressure on him and get more people to rise up against him and become aware of what he is really like."
The response from Vučić and SNS(SPP) was that of anger and dissolution with the people. "The way the government responded to citizens' demands deeply disturbed me," the student noted, "because their response to legitimate and specific demands was to send thugs to beat students and try to turn peaceful protests into a mob. They're also threatening to fire anyone who stands with the students. And the 'fulfillment of demands' shown on television and documents published on the portal don't even meet 10% of what students are asking for."
This all culminated to a boiling point where the Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vučević resigned. The demonstrations have since expanded worldwide within the Serbian diaspora. Reaching Los Angeles, Paris, NYC, and other major metropolis'.
As Serbia continues to grapple with its political uncertainty one thing is unquestionable, and that is the enormous amount of public discontent with the current regime. "As long as there are protests, I'll attend them because even if nothing changes in the end, at least I know I tried," the student affirmed, echoing the sentiment of many protesters who see this as their chance to shape Serbia's future.
If you have any new information about the dealings within Serbia, or you've protested yourself please feel free to reach out to us on our tips page! I'd love to hear from you!
