Belgrade, June 2023. While Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić steps out in Pioneer Park to plead for peace, the streets of Belgrade are burning with clashes between students and police. Students have blocked faculties and attacked police officers on Kneza Miloša Street and King Alexander Boulevard, prompting police intervention. Vučić praised the police for their professionalism and calmness during the toughest moments of the protests, stating that the police have “cleared the honor of our state.” On his Instagram, he expressed gratitude that there were no severe consequences and that the police managed to subdue the attackers with minimal use of force. However, the clashes sparked heated public reactions, with students and citizens divided over the legitimacy of the protests and the police response. As Vučić calls for peace and assures that the state will do its job, the question remains — how long can Belgrade endure such tensions? Is this the start of a new era of conflict or just another episode in an endless series of protests? Either way, the scene on Belgrade’s streets looks more like a war zone than a place for dialogue. Got a hot take? Drop it in the comments — maybe you’ve got the magic fix for this mess!
