Vidovdan Protest in Belgrade: State Shows Resolve or Repression?
On June 28th, Vidovdan, Serbia demonstrated just how ready it is to control protests — not just with words, but with repressive measures. Sociologist Vladimir Vuletić praised the police for their professional conduct, claiming they protected safety and order. But was this a sign of resolve or just another proof of repression?
Police: Shield or Sword? Vuletić was clear: attacks on police officers must be strictly punished. “If we value the work of the police and protect their rights, we will have a better future,” he said. But does that justify the use of tear gas and heavy-handed tactics in the heart of Belgrade? According to Vuletić, the protests were a test of the state’s readiness to control the situation, and the state seems ready — perhaps too ready.
What’s the Real Problem? Vuletić sees no fundamental problem with the protests and blockades that have lasted for months. “What is the problem? Some are against Vučić, some are for him. If we called elections every time something happened, we’d have elections every week,” he said. Early elections, according to him, are only called when the government loses support or institutions stop functioning — which, he claims, is not the case now.
Vučić and the Tale of ‘Gratitude That Doesn’t Last’ President Aleksandar Vučić shared a story about a man whose job and 500-euro salary he secured, yet who now protests against the system. “Gratitude doesn’t last,” Vučić said, clearly signaling that the government is ready to confront those who oppose it, even if it helped them before.
Civil Disobedience or Chaos? Vuletić assessed that the protests are not strong enough to paralyze the state, but some participants resorted to civil disobedience, which implies conscious law-breaking and readiness for sanctions. “You can’t complain if you break the law,” he said.
What’s Next? While the government boasts readiness and resolve, the opposition and citizens wonder where the line between control and repression lies. Will the protests continue, or will the state manage to silence every voice of dissent? One thing is certain — Vidovdan 2025 won’t be easily forgotten.
If you thought this was the end, think again. Drop a comment, share your thoughts — did the state go too far, or is Vuletić right? Let the debate begin!
