Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has urged de-escalation following recent clashes in Belgrade and other areas between activists associated with the ruling party and protesting students. Speaking during a visit to the State Data Centre in Kragujevac, Vucic issued an appeal for tranquility, stating, “I call on everyone to calm down. Let everyone present their programmes, let them express their positions, let them go to the podiums, but not call for killing, not call for violence.” He questioned whether individuals attacked should respond with violence.
Addressing the political climate, Vucic indicated that early parliamentary elections are anticipated within the next two to six months. He stated that if his political opponents secure a victory, he would offer his congratulations that same evening. Furthermore, he asserted that current public opinion polls do not suggest the student movement is close in popularity to the Serbian Progressive Party.
The protests have been organized by students who have blocked over 60 faculties across Serbia in 2024 and 2025. Their primary demands center on anti-corruption measures and the scheduling of early elections. The movement gained momentum following a significant incident in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, when a concrete canopy at a recently renovated railway station collapsed, resulting in 16 fatalities and one serious injury.
The protesting students have announced their intention to abstain from voting, instead voicing support for a slate
Topics: #calm #call #let
It’s concerning to hear about clashes happening, regardless of who is involved.
What specific measures does the President suggest to de-escalate tensions between the two groups?