Serbian Streets in Chaos: Students and Citizens Block Cities, Vučić Pleads for Peace!
Welcome to the Serbian version of urban chaos where students and citizens are fiercely blocking intersections across Serbia, and President Aleksandar Vučić is desperately begging for the blockades to be lifted to preserve public order. Yes, you read that right – while traffic in Belgrade flows normally this morning, behind the scenes a real battle for control of the streets is raging.
Blockades That Won’t Quit
Students announced a total blockade of Belgrade starting at 7 AM yesterday, and today they put that plan into action. Intersections in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other Serbian cities are under siege. Traffic is reportedly passable this morning, but that’s just a calm facade. The police are at the edge of their tolerance, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has already announced criminal charges against the blockade organizers. MUP Director Dragan Vasiljević claims the police haven’t budged an inch but have been maximally tolerant throughout all the protests.
Clashes and Arrests
Not everything went smoothly. In Čačak, clashes erupted between demonstrators and police in front of the SNS party offices. Radivoje Jovović, a member of the Free Citizens Movement, was arrested in Niš for disturbing public order and peace. Police have broken up blockades in several locations, but students and citizens refuse to back down – they keep moving from one intersection to another, dodging police forces.
Where Are the Blockades?
The blockade map is impressive: Rakovica, Stari Grad, Palilula, Zvezdara, Čukarica, Novi Beograd, Voždovac, Zemun, Karaburma, Kaluđerica, Borča, and Ovča – all places where traffic is halted. Even the busiest bridges and routes in Belgrade have been blocked, and students posted a detailed map of their actions on Instagram.
Vučić as Peacemaker
President Vučić couldn’t stay silent. On Instagram, he posted a video urging students and citizens not to block Belgrade tomorrow, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order and peace. Will they listen? Hard to say, as anger among demonstrators is palpable.
Police and Phantom Masks
An interesting twist: why do police officers wear phantom masks during the blockades? The MUP explained it’s for safety and identity protection, but this only fueled conspiracy theories and public suspicion.
What’s Next?
The protests continue, with students planning gatherings even during the summer. The more radical part of the opposition is pushing for intensified protests, while the government promises tough measures. Sounds like a recipe for even more chaos on Serbian streets.
The Bottom Line?
While Belgrade wakes up relatively calm, behind the scenes a fierce battle for street control is underway. Students and citizens won’t give up their demands, and the government tries to maintain control through threats and arrests. Will the situation calm down or escalate into bigger conflicts? Only the sky knows.
Thought this was the end? Think again. Jump into the conversation, drop a sarcastic comment, or share your take – because in Serbia, when it comes to the streets, boredom is not an option!
