Professor Dejan Antić from the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš criticizes the blockaders’ and anarchists’ protests held on Vidovdan, a sacred date for the Serbian people. He believes these protests are not aimed at social change but at dismantling Serbian statehood, with the goal of desecrating and humiliating the Serbian nation. Vidovdan is a historic day symbolizing heroism and unity of the people, and it has never before been a day of brutal internal political conflicts. The protests are portrayed as violent political performances that do not benefit the Serbian people.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the protesters’ motivations as rooted in social justice and opposition to government policies, framing the blockaders as activists fighting for democratic rights and societal change. They may criticize the government’s harsh rhetoric and portray the protests as legitimate expressions of dissent.
Center: Centrist sources present a balanced view, acknowledging the historical significance of Vidovdan while also recognizing the protesters’ right to demonstrate. They highlight the tensions between preserving national traditions and the need for political dialogue, often calling for peaceful resolution and mutual understanding.
Right: Right-leaning media focus on condemning the protests as disrespectful and harmful to national unity, emphasizing the sanctity of Vidovdan as a sacred Serbian holiday. They portray the blockaders as radicals or anarchists aiming to destabilize the country and attack Serbian statehood, often supporting strong government responses.