Thousands of students took over 33 faculties and poured onto the streets of Belgrade after President Alexander Vucic accused them of receiving money from external and internal criminals aiming to overthrow him. Vucic left the presidential building with police escort as thousands of students and activists protested outside, linking the tragedy in Novi Sad to widespread corruption in Serbia. Students held signs saying “There would be no blood if everything was according to the law,” “Gravity is not guilty,” “There is no science until your hands are bloody,” and “Students on blockade, workers on strike.” Vucic promised to release all relevant documentation on the Novi Sad tragedy on December 12. Vucic later defended himself on Instagram, stating he would not flee like Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and pledged to serve the Serbian people. German newspaper TAZ reported that student protests have doubled in a week following Vucic’s remarks accusing them of being paid by criminals.
Title: What’s Happening in Serbia? President Under Blockade, Police Protests, and More
Introduction
Serbia, a landlocked country in the Balkans, has recently seen a surge in political and social developments that have captivated both domestic and international attention. From the president’s growing isolation to widespread police protests, here’s a roundup of what’s been happening in Serbia.
1. President Aleksandar Vu
ić Under Fire and International Isolation
Serbian President Aleksandar Vu
ić, who has been in power since 2017, has found himself under increasing pressure both domestically and internationally. Here are a few key developments:
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EU Accession Talks Stalled: Serbia’s EU accession talks have slowed down significantly due to Vu
ić’s government’s lack of progress in implementing democratic reforms and respecting media freedom. This has led to a stalemate in Serbia’s European integration process. -
US Sanctions: In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin and the director of the Intelligence Agency, Bratislav Dikić, accusing them of being responsible for "undemocratic practices" in Serbia. While Vu
ić himself was not directly targeted, the move has put additional strain on his administration. - Domestic Criticism: Vu
ić’s popularity has been waning, with critics accusing him of authoritarianism, cronyism, and stifling dissent. Recent polls suggest that a majority of Serbians disapprove of his government’s performance.
2. Widespread Police Protests
For the past few months, Serbia has witnessed unprecedented protests by police officers, who have been expressing their dissatisfaction with working conditions, low salaries, and what they perceive as a lack of respect for their profession. Key aspects of the protests include:
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Prolonged Strikes: Police officers have staged multiple strikes, with some even refusing to work overtime or respond to non-emergency calls.
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Public Demonstrations: Thousands of police officers have taken to the streets in several cities across Serbia, holding banners and chanting slogans that criticize the government’s treatment of law enforcement.
- Support from the Public: The police protests have garnered significant public support, with many Serbians expressing sympathy for the officers’ plight and criticizing the government’s handling of the situation.
3. COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Campaign
Serbia has been battling waves of COVID-19 infections, with the latest surge driven by the Omicron variant. The government’s response to the pandemic has been a contentious issue, with critics accusing Vu
ić’s administration of mishandling the crisis and failing to implement effective containment measures.
Despite initial hesitation, Serbia has launched a vaccination campaign, with the majority of the adult population now fully vaccinated. However, the country still faces challenges in boosting vaccination rates among the elderly and those living in rural areas.
Conclusion
Serbia is currently at a crossroads, grappling with a range of political, social, and public health challenges. The coming months will be critical in determining the country’s trajectory, as President Vu
ić and his government navigate the complex web of domestic and international pressures they face. As the situation in Serbia continues to evolve, the world will be watching to see how these developments unfold.
