Students in Serbia engage in both obstructionist tactics and electoral participation to challenge their government's policies.
Sparks Fly in Serbia's Unraveling Political Scene
A sea of flags and fireworks welcomed foot-weary protesters from all over Serbia, who descended upon the streets the night before. The reason for their gathering? Months of simmering unrest ignited by a tragic railway station roof collapse in the northern city of Novi Sad, an event that many view as a stark symbol of the nation's deeply ingrained corruption.
Students, the boldest pioneers in this uprising, have barricaded universities, paraded through the streets, cycled across borders to Strasbourg, and run marathons to Brussels – all while keeping politics at arm's length with their relentless, unified message.
Dusan Vucicevic, a University of Belgrade political science professor, observed to AFP that these actions have been instrumental in raising awareness and reaching audiences untouched by the political opposition. But as the protests intensify, the public has been yearning for a more articulate political response.
Earlier this week, the students took a different tact and called for early parliamentary elections. Andjela, a Belgrade Academy student, expressed their sentiment: "We realised that this government is not going to fulfill our demands. This has gone on for almost six months, and they are acting like we don't exist."
The students' demands are clear: justice for the railway tragedy victims, prosecution of those who attacked protesters, dismissal of charges against arrested students, and a thorough investigation into allegations of sound cannon use during a demonstration in March.
Girding for Battle
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, facing the most significant challenge yet to his 12-year rule, has wavered between calls for dialogue and accusations that the students are puppets of foreign powers creating a "colour revolution." Addressing their demand for elections, Vucic stated Wednesday that the students "won't have to wait long."
However, students have been proactively strategizing for the upcoming political battle. They have prepped a list of candidates they'd support, promising citizens a unified front by featuring respected figures rather than politicians. When asked about her role in the process, Andjela replied, "Students won't be candidates. It will be people we trust." The criteria for potential candidates remain under development.
Professor Vucicevic credits the students' strength to their emotional bond with the public and the non-partisan nature of their demands, which emphasize respect for law, social justice, and political accountability.
Swinging the Public Pendulum
Most opposition parties – from left to center – have voiced their support for the students' demands and have pledged to assist them in organizing. However, there's been no word on whether they'll abandon their own candidates in favor of the students' chosen ones.
Political scientist Vucicevic pointed out that trust in opposition parties is a concern, largely due to government-led smear campaigns and the bias of pro-government media. Yet, the student movement is shifting voters' perceptions.
"Many anti-Vucic voters voted not for the opposition but against Vucic," Vucicevic explained. "In contrast, the student movement is creating a base of pro-student voters."
Parliamentary elections were last held in December 2020, with the ruling nationalist party claiming victory amid accusations of fraud that Vucic dismissed. The united opposition, however, secured 23.5% of the vote. The protests that followed prompted the prime minister's resignation and the fall of the government. A new government, led by a political novice and medical doctor, was elected by parliament in mid-April.
In a region troubled by political instability, the current situation in Serbia remains a dynamic and uncertain landscape, one that's likely to keep people on edge throughout the year.
- The Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, facing a significant challenge to his 12-year rule, has oscillated between calls for dialogue and accusations that the students are puppets of foreign powers, creating a "colour revolution."
- The students, girding for the upcoming political battle, have strategically prepared a list of candidates they'd support, aiming to provide a unified front comprised of respected figures instead of politicians.
- As the 2023 parliamentary elections approach, the general news has been dominated by the student movement's demands for justice, prosecution of attackers, dismissal of charges against arrested students, and an investigation into sound cannon use during a demonstration in March.
- Despite most opposition parties voicing support for the student movement's demands and pledging assistance, it remains unclear whether they will abandon their candidates to support the students' chosen ones, as the student movement continues to swing the public pendulum, creating a base of pro-student voters.
