Serbia has recently seen a wave of protests aimed at expressing discontent with the current government and the direction of the nation. In the wake of mass shootings that left 18 people dead this month, demonstrators have framed their actions as a response to what they view as a failed social contract and a deteriorating climate in the country under President Aleksandar Vučić. The rallies have drawn broad support from several opposition groups and continue a streak of street actions that began earlier in the week. The protests are planned to resume this weekend with marches through Belgrade and other major cities as a visible statement against governance that many believe has become increasingly centralized and unaccountable.
Among the demands voiced by marchers are a demand for accountability from senior government officials, including calls for the resignation of the interior minister and the head of Serbia’s security services. Critics are also pushing for changes to broadcast licensing, arguing that two private television channels should have their licenses renewed in light of perceived content that promotes violence. Protesters contend such programming has helped create an atmosphere that contributed to the tragedies seen this month.
A large share of the demonstrators, many accompanied by family members, have expressed surprise at the government response, which has been assertive and at times forceful. President Vučić has accused the demonstrators of attempting to politicize a national tragedy and of provoking chaos and instability. There are also voices that echo concerns about the government’s narrative, with some suggesting that the administration has used techniques reminiscent of past political campaigns to frame the public as the victim and to justify a strong state response.
tired citizen
Analyst Aleksandra Tomanic, a leading voice at the European Balkans Fund, notes that the country has been in a simmering state for a long period. She observes that Vučić has exerted substantial influence over the economy, society, and political life, and that ordinary people are feeling the squeeze because inflation is high and livelihoods are tight. According to her, the internal discourse around Vučić has shifted, adopting a tone that many find unsettling. She suggests this climate of fear, anxiety, polarization, and aggression helps explain a growing sense that Serbia may not yet have free and fair elections in the near term.
Vučić has faced persistent accusations from opponents since his 2017 victory, including claims of election irregularities. Similar allegations surfaced again after attacks on opposition figures in 2018 and in subsequent years. The protests of recent years have also focused on issues such as the handling of natural resources and economic policy, with some critics alleging exploitation or mismanagement by authorities during contentious sectors.
Savo Manojlović, a participant in the Go and Change movement, notes that new faces and younger voices are taking the lead in the current mobilizations. He describes the present demonstrations as a desire for normalcy and a functioning democracy, with the aim of dismantling entrenched corruption, dysfunction, and partisan governance. This perspective frames the protests as a bid to restore ordinary civic life rather than an attack on the state itself.
No EU solidarity
Another development during the period reveals ongoing tensions: a mural that some consider vandalism appeared in Belgrade, depicting a prominent international figure. The city has seen closures and ongoing debates about how to handle such expressions, with some officials yet to provide clear explanations. The broader question remains how the government will respond to dissent while maintaining stability in the capital and across the country.
Officials have even floated measures such as increasing responsibility within the armed forces and addressing weapons possession, arguing that stability requires addressing fears and concerns while avoiding escalation. In the coming days there are indications of a parallel demonstration in support of the president, signaling a complex public mood that includes both opposition and pro-government currents.
It remains unclear whether the protests will endure or fade as seen in past cycles. Two factors weigh on the outcome: the cohesion, or lack thereof, within the opposition and the degree of solidarity among protesters. Experts also point to shifting sentiment toward the European Union as a factor shaping political calculations. Analysts at large note that external economic and political dynamics are influencing domestic responses, and that public trust in European partnerships has been impacted by recent events.