Chaos in Serbian Streets: Students Block Cities, Opposition Boycotts Parliament!
Welcome to Serbia 2024, where students and the opposition are creating a real political drama! While the government claims everything is under control, the streets of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and over a dozen other cities are blocked, and opposition parties have decided to boycott the National Assembly. Is this the start of a civil war or a final fight for justice?
Blockades That Won’t Stop
Since Sunday evening, students have occupied intersections across Serbia. Containers, pallets, bicycles – everything to stop traffic. Police removed some blockades overnight, but new ones appeared by morning. In Zemun, the main street is blocked, Karađorđe’s Square is a pedestrian zone, and Belgrade’s streets are full of demonstrators with umbrellas and deck chairs. In Novi Sad, students held a commemoration at the site of a tragedy eight months ago where 16 people lost their lives, then continued the blockade.
Opposition Stands with Students – Or Not?
Most opposition parties have accepted the students’ call to boycott parliament. The Democratic Party called on colleagues to leave the “meaningless” assembly, claiming it is just a facade for Aleksandar Vučić’s authoritarian regime. Leaders like Miloš Jovanović from New DSS and Vladimir Jelić from POKS support the boycott as the only way to fight the regime.
However, not everyone in the opposition agrees. Some believe the boycott is pointless and that they should stay in parliament and fight from within. Prime Minister Ana Brnabić called the blockades a “sign of helplessness and frustration” and accused the opposition of not wanting to fight for the country.
Repression and Arrests
In recent days, police have arrested 76 people, mostly students, on suspicion of violent activities and planning violent changes to the constitutional order. Several detainees have had requests for detention filed, and the prosecution plans to appeal refusals. Students and their supporters are not giving up, and police boast of restrained actions.
What’s Behind the Blockades?
Students demand free, fair, and transparent elections, as well as the release of detainees. The opposition sees the blockades and parliamentary boycott as a chance to overthrow a regime that, they say, suppresses democracy and citizens’ rights. The government calls it chaos and an attempt to destabilize the state.
Conclusion: Fight or Chaos?
Serbia is on the edge. Streets are blocked, parliament is paralyzed, and citizens are divided. Will students and the opposition succeed in forcing the government to change, or will repression crush the protests? One thing is certain – it won’t be boring.
If you thought politics was boring, think again! What do you think about these blockades? Are the students heroes or a problem? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
