Marina Ragus, the Vice President of the Serbian Parliament, has spoken out boldly about the chaos engulfing Serbia in recent months. According to her, the call for early parliamentary elections is nothing but an attempt to mimic the October 5 revolution — a notorious political upheaval — so that certain groups can seize power by force because they cannot win it through normal elections.
The blockades and protests that have lasted for eight months are, according to Ragus, unconstitutional and illegal. The police are obliged to respond, although they are often accused of excessive use of force. The protest organizers are fully aware of the police’s authority and the laws but choose to ignore them, disrupting the daily lives of the majority of citizens.
Ragus warns that the situation has become a political battlefield and that a political agreement is necessary. She points out that President Vučić has promised since December to meet the demands, but few believe it, as the format of these protests has been designed over decades and is now reaching its climax.
She emphasizes that the majority of Serbia understands the national interest, but there is a segment of society closer to the interests of other countries, complicating the situation further. Ragus accuses certain cells in society of wanting to provoke a civil war and being bothered by Serbia’s economic progress.
At universities, she says, a process of “dismantling” has been ongoing for decades, with the state, parents, professors, and media failing to respond adequately. Ragus calls for experts in sociology, psychology, and psychiatry to get involved in resolving the crisis.
She stresses that the state holds the monopoly on the use of force and that public order and peace must be restored without excessive force. She also criticizes the blockaders for manipulating children and dividing families, worsening the situation.
Finally, Ragus states that the government is sending clear messages to power centers that it will never recognize Kosovo’s independence, impose sanctions on Russia, or turn its back on China, and that Serbia will not accept genocidal practices.
All in all, Ragus paints a picture of Serbia on the brink of chaos, with deep divisions and political games threatening to destroy the country. If you think this is just another political story, think again — while they fight, ordinary people suffer. So, what do you think? Is it time for a new October 5 or for peace and dialogue? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
