Vidovdan Protest: The Tipping Point — Will Citizens Take Over the Rebellion After 9 PM?
June 28th, Vidovdan, might become a historic day in Serbia, marking a turning point in the months-long student and civic protests. Students have announced that their Vidovdan protest will last exactly 21 hours, after which citizens can “do whatever they want.” The big question is: will citizens actually take over the protests and potentially radicalize them, or will it remain symbolic?
Students and Their Demands
The students have clearly stated two key demands: the calling of extraordinary parliamentary elections and the removal of the so-called “ćacilend” — a symbol of repression and violence. After 9 PM, students plan to remove their steward vests, which symbolically could mark the end of the student protest and the beginning of a civic one. However, it remains uncertain whether citizens will truly take over the protests.
Fear of Provocations and Violence
Political science professor and MP Đorđe Pavićević warns that the situation is ambiguous and that there is a real danger that the authorities or independent groups might provoke violence to discredit the protests. A similar scenario was seen earlier in Novi Sad, where provocations led to clashes and arrests.
The president of the Democratic Party, Srđan Milivojević, believes the regime is already preparing provocations, including the use of sonic weapons and arming thugs. Still, he trusts that citizens will not fall for these provocations and will join students in sending a clear message about the end of Aleksandar Vučić’s tyranny.
Expectations and Caution
The president of the New Face of Serbia movement, Miloš Parandilović, expects the protest to be a “parade of freedom,” with citizens from all over Serbia coming to Belgrade to express their desire for change. He stresses the importance of caution and not falling for regime provocations, which on March 15th used sound cannons and thugs to intimidate demonstrators.
Student activists Ivana Ilijašević and Milica Sretenović also expect citizens to take over the protests after students remove their vests. They emphasize that it is time for the protest to go beyond the student framework and become a general popular uprising.
Symbolism and Reality
The Vidovdan protest is not just another gathering — it carries the weight of symbolism and expectations. Whether June 28th will become the new October 5th remains to be seen. What is certain is that the protest has already faced media lynching and pressure from the authorities, but the solidarity and unity among citizens and students are stronger than ever.
Got your own take on what citizens should do after 9 PM? Think this is all just another regime game? Drop a comment and share your view — maybe you hold the key to understanding this tense situation!
