Has the Right Wing Hijacked the Student Protests in Serbia?
Something surprising and worrying is happening in Serbia – student protests that began as a fight for democracy and against corruption are now flooded with nationalist tones and speeches reminiscent of a past many wanted to leave behind.
Nationalism on Vidovdan?
Vidovdan, a symbolic date for the Serbian people, this year became a gathering place for students, but not only to demand societal changes. Some speakers delivered nationalist messages that shocked many participants. Speeches about Serbian dignity, martyrdom, and Greater Serbian ideas appeared in this volume for the first time at student protests. This raised the question – has the right wing hijacked the protests?
Political Crisis and Loss of Legitimacy of the Government
President Vučić and his government have lost legitimacy in the eyes of many, sparking massive protests across Serbia. However, instead of focusing on fighting corruption and for democracy, part of the movement began mixing with nationalist ideas, possibly due to pressure from pro-government media portraying students as traitors and terrorists.
Different Interpretations and Opinions
Political analyst Cvijetin Milivojević believes the appearance of nationalist speakers on Vidovdan was expected because the student list is a “catchall” – gathering people with different ideological positions but a common demand for the removal of the government and early elections. He thinks students should enter the political arena to have more influence, but their decision not to do so is a mistake.
On the other hand, Kirsten Schenefeld from the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation warns that nationalist tones might be an attempt by the right wing to strengthen their influence within the movement. Still, she emphasizes that the entire student movement is not permeated by nationalism, and many participants did not expect such speeches.
Constitutional Patriotism as a Way Out of the Crisis
Zoran Gavrilović, director of the Bureau of Social Research, sees the key in establishing constitutional patriotism, which could replace ethno-nationalism and help Serbia return to a democratic path. He believes it is important that the protests do not take a revisionist stance on the wars of the 1990s and focus on democracy and fighting corruption.
Government Reaction and Repression
The government responded with increased repression – police are on the streets of Belgrade and other cities, arresting students and citizens, and state media openly call students terrorists. Instead of calming the situation, such measures only fuel the energy of the protests.
What Next?
The question arises who will lead the student list and whether students will manage to organize as a serious political force. Candidates like Alek Kavčić, Milo Lompar, and Jovo Bakić are mentioned as potential leaders, but it is clear they face a tough task.
Conclusion
The student protests in Serbia are torn between fighting for democratic values and the influence of nationalist currents. Whether they will manage to stay on the right path and bring the changes Serbia desperately needs, or be taken over by the right wing and nationalist ideas, remains to be seen. One thing is certain – the situation is tense, and Serbia’s future is uncertain.
So, what do you think? Are the students still the voice of change, or have they become pawns in the nationalists’ game? Drop a comment and let your voice be heard in this wild story!
