Serbian Protesters Shift Tactics, Demand New Elections Amid Civil Disobedience

As protests against the Serbian government persist into their ninth month, demonstrators are pivoting from traditional rallies to a campaign of civil disobedience, marked by roadblocks in major cities. Following a significant protest that drew approximately 140,000 participants in Belgrade's Slavija Square, student leaders announced they would no longer direct the protests. Instead, they invited various groups opposed to President Aleksandar Vučić and his Progressive Party (SNS) to lead the next phase of the movement.

The protests were initially sparked by the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station in November 2023, which claimed 16 lives. This disaster ignited widespread outrage against the government, particularly targeting President Vučić's administration, which many perceive as increasingly authoritarian. The protesters’ demands have evolved to include calls for new elections, as public discontent with the government’s handling of the tragedy and subsequent political developments has grown.

In the wake of these changes, roadblocks have emerged across Serbia, with citizens using everyday items such as dustbins and chairs to obstruct traffic in cities including Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš. Local residents' associations, known as citizens' assemblies, have played a key role in this new form of protest. As police dismantle one blockade, another quickly takes its place, leading to significant disruptions for commuters.

The government’s response has been met with criticism, particularly regarding police conduct. Recent reports indicate dozens of arrests, with some instances of excessive force, including injuries sustained by student protesters during clashes with the Gendarmerie at the Belgrade University Law Faculty. Notable organizations, including the journalists' association and the Bar Association, have condemned these police actions, alongside statements from the Serbian Orthodox Church. Furthermore, the European Union has expressed concern over the violence, urging a return to calm.

Despite the ongoing unrest, some observers question the efficacy of this new strategy of civil disobedience, positing that it may not yield better results than the extensive rallies and protests seen over the past months. Dr. Marko Petrovic, a political analyst at the University of Belgrade, noted in his recent commentary that the protests have galvanized public sentiment but remain at a stalemate in terms of tangible political change.

Historically, Serbia has seen similar movements, most notably during the protests against former President Slobodan Milošević in the early 2000s. Back then, widespread demonstrations ultimately led to significant political shifts. However, current polls indicate that Vučić's SNS remains the most popular party, complicating the potential for immediate electoral change.

Opposition voices, like Srdjan Milivojevic of the Democratic Party, draw parallels between today's protests and those of the past, suggesting that a united front against the government could lead to change. Nevertheless, Vučić's administration appears resolute, with the president asserting there will be no new elections before December 2024.

As the summer heats up, so too does the political climate in Serbia, with protesters and the government at an impasse. The outcome of this struggle may depend on which side is willing to make concessions first, as the demands for electoral reform and accountability continue to echo throughout the nation.