Ana Brnabić, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament and a member of the SNS party, stated that there will be no counter-rally by the authorities in Belgrade on June 28, Vidovdan, when students announced a protest. She emphasized that the authorities will not allow attacks on students who want to learn and educate themselves. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić will address the protest and respond to what she called brutal lies. Brnabić highlighted that Vidovdan is a holiday of unity, respect, and love for the country and the people, and the authorities do not want to use this holiday for conflicts. She criticized the students who announced the protest, calling them “blockaders” and accusing them of inciting violence.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the students’ right to protest and frame the government’s refusal to hold a counter-rally as an attempt to suppress dissent. They highlight concerns about labeling students as ‘blockaders’ and the potential for government intimidation. The narrative often focuses on defending youth activism and criticizing the ruling party’s approach to civil liberties.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the announcement, presenting both the government’s stance against counter-rallies and the students’ planned protest. They emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and respect during Vidovdan, a significant national holiday, and note the government’s commitment to preventing violence. The coverage is balanced, focusing on dialogue and order.
Right: Right-leaning media emphasize the government’s respect for Vidovdan as a sacred holiday and the importance of unity and national pride. They support Ana Brnabić’s firm stance against protests that could lead to violence, portraying the students as disruptive ‘blockaders’ who misuse the holiday for political agitation. The narrative stresses law and order and the protection of traditional values.
