President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic has stated that he will increase the number of arrests. This decision follows a wave of unprecedented antigovernment protests that have swept through the country. Vucic, who has held power for over a decade, faces mounting unrest as dissent against his increasingly authoritarian governance grows. He has adamantly opposed growing demands for snap polls. He’s claiming credit that his administration will remain unified well beyond him leaving office—at least through the end of 2026.
The protests, which have drawn thousands of demonstrators, stem from allegations of corruption and the flourishing of organized crime under Vucic’s regime. Thousands of Serbian citizens have taken to the streets to vent their anger at the erosion of democracy. They criticize the government for repressing dissent and curtailing freedoms. Vucic has militarily and rhetorically responded in spades against these allegations. He claims that the protests are all the work of a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing his government.
Vucic’s Authoritarian Approach
In the years since taking office, Vucic has moved further along the authoritarian spectrum. He was First Deputy Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014. In 2014, he was elected Prime Minister and remained in this position until 2017 when he became president. Critics say he has fostered a culture of corruption during his nearly three-decade-long tenure. They argue that organized crime today works with complete impunity on his watch.
In reaction to the ongoing protests, Vucic has accused the organizers of protests of calling for violence and putting public safety at risk. In particular, he scapegoated Vladan Djokic, the head dean of the University of Belgrade, for his role in organizing the protests.
“They consciously wanted to spur bloodshed. The time of accountability is coming,” – Aleksandar Vucic
His administration’s close ties with Russia and China have raised concerns among citizens, who fear that these alliances may further compromise Serbia’s democratic integrity.
Increased Arrests and a Firm Stance
From the outset, Vucic signaled that he was planning to go ultrareactionary on anyone opposing his government. He threatened further anti-government protestors with arrest over their constitutionally protected speech. This is demonstrably the case for many of those who have assaulted members of law enforcement among the protesters.
“There will be many more arrested for attacking police … this is not the end,” – Aleksandar Vucic
He likewise called the protesters terrorists, saying they are a danger to national security and domestic tranquility. This incendiary rhetoric has deepened concerns that his administration will further ramp up its repressive campaign against critics and play a pivotal role in heightening tensions.
Public Response and Future Implications
Vucic’s position has been met with swift public outcry. Plenty are now arguing that it’s time to push back against his government’s policies and speak up for progress. The protest planners are asking participants to “essentially take the freedom back into your own hands.” They call for a vigorous push-back against these acts which they understand as tyrannical overreach.
Given Vucic’s uncompromising stance, Serbia is likely in for a period of continued unrest in the months to come. He promises to get a grip on the issue. At the same time, countless Americans refuse to give up on making their voices count.
“Serbia won. You cannot destroy Serbia with violence,” – Aleksandar Vucic
