Chaos at Vidovdan Protests in Belgrade: Violence, Ultimatum, and Political Games
This year’s Vidovdan in Belgrade was anything but peaceful. Students blocked the city, issued an ultimatum to the government, and the authorities responded with harsh words and police intervention. The situation escalated into clashes, dozens injured and detained, as political tensions reached a boiling point.
The Ultimatum and Student Demands Students from the group “Students in Blockade” gave the Serbian government an ultimatum: call early parliamentary elections and end the protests in Pionirski Park. The deadline expired on June 29 at 9 PM, but the government stood firm. Students announced a protest at Slavija Square starting at 6 PM, expected to last 21 hours.
Government Reaction and Vučić’s Threats Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić rejected the ultimatum. He declared that Serbia is not a “handful of oats” and does not accept ultimatums. He warned that incidents and violence would erupt between 8:45 and 9:45 PM, which indeed happened. Police intervened, using tear gas, resulting in dozens of injuries and arrests.
Ana Brnabić’s Accusations Against Students Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić accused the students of preparing violence and calling for “death to Serbia” and civil war during the protest. She said the blockade’s goal was to attack the presidency, but Vučić did not budge from his workplace. She also emphasized that Serbia has defeated terror and that the blockades will not change anything.
Snežana Paunović on the Protest’s Intentions Snežana Paunović stated that Serbia has never easily accepted ultimatums and that the protest’s intention was a violent takeover of power, not elections. She noted the goal was to provoke conflict and civil war, and that the police stopped the first wave of clashes.
Preparations and Atmosphere Before the Protests A stage and chairs were set up in front of the Serbian Parliament for a literary evening organized by students from Pionirski Park. The building was fenced off, with vehicle access partially open. Media reported increased police presence and tension in the city.
Clashes and Aftermath Dozens were injured and many detained during the protests. Authorities declared victory, stating no one is stronger than the state. This was the first time since the start of the student protests that police and demonstrators clashed.
What’s Behind the Protests? It’s clear these protests are much more than student demands. It’s a political battle, a power game, and a clash of interests. While students demand change and new elections, the government uses every moment to portray the protests as violent and destructive. And the people? They watch, divide, and wonder – when will this chaos end?
If you thought protests were just peaceful gatherings, think again. This drama in the heart of Belgrade is far from over. What do you think – who’s really to blame? Drop a comment, crack a joke, or just watch how it unfolds. This is just the beginning!
