Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has promised to respond forcefully to the anti-government demonstrators. This decision comes after rioting shook cities across the country. Widespread accusations allege that Vucic has been censoring democratic freedoms. His actions have further allowed corruption and organized crime to flourish during his time in office.
About the Author
Barbara Unmuth
Barbara has worked for over a decade at the intersection of civil society, technology, and democracy.
The last few months have marked an acute intensification of protests. Amid growing anti-Vucic activism, protesters accuse Vucic of corruption-friendly policies, keeping dangerously close ties with Russia and China—all while promoting Serbia’s accession to the European Union. The President has called the demonstrators “pure terrorism.” He insinuates that their actions are all part of a larger and nefarious Western conspiracy meant to destabilize the country.
Protests that erupted in western Serbia turned into riots at one point, with Serbian Progressive Party offices burned down. In response, the President said the state needed to act decisively in a week’s time. He expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the unrest, stating, “Unless we undertake tougher steps it is a question of days when they (protesters) will kill someone.” This punctuation note highlights his belief that the protests have reached such extreme levels that they are a direct threat to the country’s survival.
Vucic claimed that there is a complex plot to erect “anarcho-leftist” powers in Serbia. He emphasized, “Our country is in grave danger, they have jeopardized all our values, normal life, each individual.” In his administration’s wake, protest constitutes a crime, with thousands arrested and hundreds injured while protesting in opposition to his government.
Even with all this turmoil, Vucic has tried to portray the unrest as a battle against foreign sway. He praised Russia’s support for his government, describing it as crucial in the face of what he termed a “colored revolution” aimed at undermining Serbia’s sovereignty.
The President’s comments reflect a broader narrative he has constructed around the protests, asserting that they are not merely grassroots movements but rather orchestrated efforts from abroad to destabilize the Serbian state.
As tensions mount and the government’s response is anticipated, many in Serbia are watching closely to see how Vucic’s administration will navigate this critical juncture.
“You will witness the determination of the state of Serbia.” – Aleksandar Vucic
