Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic issued a plea for calm following recent clashes in Belgrade and other locations between activists associated with the ruling party and protesting students. During a visit to the State Data Centre in Kragujevac, Vucic stated, “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 further questioned the necessity of retaliation, asking, “I also ask my people, if you are attacked, should you also hit back?”
Addressing the political climate, Vucic indicated that early parliamentary elections in Serbia are anticipated within two to six months.
He added that should his political opponents win, he would offer them congratulations that same evening. Regarding public sentiment, Vucic stated that he has not seen any public opinion polls suggesting that the student list is close in popularity to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party. The protests have been organized by students, who have conducted blockades at over 60 faculties across Serbia in 2024 and 2025.
These demonstrations are characterized by anti-government demands, anti-corruption calls, and demands for early elections. The movement gained significant traction following a fatal incident in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, when a concrete canopy at a recently renovated railway station collapsed, resulting in 16 deaths and one serious injury. The protesting students have announced their intention not to participate in the vote, instead pledging support to a candidate list composed of public figures with no prior political involvement.
Topics: #calm #call #let
It is concerning to read about the continued clashes between the protesting students and the ruling party activists.