Student Protests in Belgrade: Who Really Won and Who Lost?
Chaos or Peace? Belgrade has recently become a battleground between two groups of students – those who blocked the city and those who want to continue studying. Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, openly accused the blockaders of aiming for a violent change of government and breaking into institutions. “Their goal was to create incidents, chaos, but that will not happen,” she said, emphasizing they lack critical mass and are extremists.
Police and Government on Alert According to Mihajlović, the police are prepared and aware of the blockaders’ plans, who allegedly announced violence after 9 PM. “Civil disobedience? That has been violence for seven months,” she added, making it clear the government will not allow institutions to be threatened. She also criticized the Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, who announced he would address the protest, saying he is now a politician and cannot lead the university and engage in politics simultaneously.
Vučić: Students Who Want to Study Have Won Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić visited Pionirski Park and clearly stated: “Students have won, blockaders have lost.” He praised the young people who want to continue their education and noted that the number of blockaders is now three times smaller than on March 15. Vučić emphasized that students are confident in their ideals and their fight is as strong as Serbia’s toughest fortresses – Manasija, Ravanica, Kalemegdan, and Petrovaradin.
What’s Happening with Education? While the conflict between blockaders and students who want to study continues, the country’s economic activity is falling, and students are losing academic years. Mihajlović warned that such blockades are bad for both the state and the youth. Vučić called on students to return to their faculties and prepare for exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
Who’s to Blame for the Chaos? It’s clear the government and opposition see these protests differently. While Mihajlović and Vučić accuse blockaders of violence and attempts to overthrow the system, blockaders are supported by those who see their fight for justice and change as legitimate. But is violence really the answer? Or is this just another political game where students are pawns?
Conclusion The student protests in Belgrade have become more than a fight for education – they reflect deep divisions in society. On one side, students who want to study and continue their education; on the other, those ready to block the city and cause chaos in the name of change. The government has made it clear that violent change will not happen, while President Vučić celebrates the victory of students who want peace.
So, what do you think? Who’s right here? Are the blockades justified or just a waste of time? Drop a comment, maybe your take will change the course of this student drama!
