Serbia: Growing protest among dwindling prospects | DW News

Key Concepts

• Mass Protests in Serbia: Widespread demonstrations against the government, primarily led by young people.
• Corruption and Cronyism: Systemic issues of dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often involving favoritism.
• State Failure: The inability of a government to perform its basic functions, leading to negative consequences for citizens.
• Alter Bank: A private financial institution allegedly favored by the government, with mandatory usage for public services.
• Police Brutality: The use of excessive force by law enforcement against citizens.
• Grassroots Organizations: Community-based groups formed without official leadership, making them harder for the regime to control.
• Authoritarian Regime: A government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.
• Economic Hardship: Difficulties faced by the country due to its economic situation, including high foreign debt.
• Opposition Control: Allegations that the government has co-opted or bought out opposition parties.

Mass Protests Against the Government in Serbia

The video details ongoing mass protests in Serbia, predominantly initiated by young people, which have persisted for nearly a year despite the authorities' use of force. These demonstrations are fueled by a desire for a future free from cronyism and corruption, with participants acknowledging the significant risks involved.

The Catalyst for Protest: A Deadly Accident and Systemic Corruption

The protests gained momentum following a fatal accident on November 1st, 2024, where the collapse of a recently renovated canopy resulted in 16 deaths. This event is presented as a symbol of state failure, with allegations that politicians attempted to conceal the incident through control over security apparatus, courts, and the press.

A key example of alleged corruption highlighted is the relationship between the government and Alter Bank. Yelina Papadich, a student leader, explains that despite being a private institution, Alter Bank services are made mandatory for citizens, with its ATMs being the only option in government offices. Since June of the current year, Serbians are required to use Alter Bank for electricity bill payments, indicating a system where those connected to the government can profit significantly.

Student Leadership and Resilience

Yelina Papadich, a medical student, has become a prominent figure in the movement. She describes the protests as a response to corruption reaching "killing levels." The students are not only advocating for political change but also providing practical support. They offer medical care to those injured by police during demonstrations.

The students have occupied university buildings, leading to confrontations with the police. Yelina recounts being knocked down by a police officer with a metal baton during an incident where police stormed the occupied medical school. Cell phone footage captured the ensuing chaos, with students facing a lack of escape routes, sometimes being forced to swim across the Danube to evade arrest or further violence. The protesters' motto is "Pompai, apply pressure," emphasizing their determination.

Support and Public Opinion

The protests have garnered support from various quarters. Tennis star Novak Djokovic has publicly backed the students, which is seen as a source of hope for their success against the regime. Surveys indicate that a majority of the population supports the students, who have been affectionately nicknamed "the children." The movement is receiving donations of food, supplies, and equipment, including loudspeakers and first aid materials, from supportive citizens and even professors.

European Reaction and Concerns

The students express disappointment with the initial reaction from Europe, noting that pressure is only now being applied. They argue that for Serbia to integrate into Europe, an authoritarian regime with "blood on its hands" should not be allowed to establish itself. The symbol "Corruption kills" is widely displayed on campus, reflecting the core grievance.

The Regime of Aleksandar Vučić

The video identifies Aleksandar Vučić as the central figure of the current regime. He has been a dominant political force for decades and president since 2017. His post-election slogan, "We will not surrender Serbia," is contrasted with the reality of his control over security forces, courts, and media. Under Vučić, Serbia's foreign debt has doubled to 50 billion euros, a significant burden for an agricultural country.

Vučić rejects the protesters' demand for new elections. His past as a minister under Slobodan Milošević in the 1990s is mentioned, suggesting he possesses experience in suppressing dissent. He is described as organizing military parades and busing supporters to the capital to inflate crowd numbers. To counter internal dissent within law enforcement, Vučić has created new special police units that monitor each other and can be deployed against protests.

Defection and Brutality within Law Enforcement

Bogoljub, a former police general with over 30 years of service, expresses his dismay at the police's brutality, describing officers beating helpless citizens. His son, Petar, a law student, joined the protests, leading to Bogoljub being forced into retirement by President Vučić. Despite being beaten by police, Petar remains defiant, highlighting the growing courage among the youth.

Expansion of Protests to Rural Areas

The student-led movement has inspired broader participation. Workers and rural communities are following the students' example by forming grassroots organizations without official leaders, making them more difficult for the regime to target.

In the Vladimiri region, east of the capital, a participant named Draan Radivovich voices concerns about crumbling infrastructure and unfulfilled promises from President Vučić regarding village investments. He criticizes the government for ruling with "lies and false promises," citing the example of a promised new school that has not been built.

Officials are reportedly afraid of being held accountable, as evidenced by the refusal to allow filming on school grounds. Abandoned farms and emigration to the West are common in Serbian villages, attributed to the government's lack of sympathy for ordinary people. The video shows examples of poor public amenities, including outhouses as public toilets and exposed electricity transformers. When residents requested more dumpsters, local politicians allegedly retaliated by locking existing ones.

Draan, a farmer, notes that state aid is preferentially given to those close to the government, leaving others to fend for themselves. He points out the paradox of a larger state budget for tourism in Vladimiri than for agriculture, despite the town having no tourism.

Hope for Change and the Future

For the first time in a long time, the village of Vladimiri feels hope that the protests will bring about real change. Draan hopes his children will choose to remain in Serbia. The students are credited with opening people's eyes and providing hope for a better future. The video notes the difficulty in identifying an opposition, suggesting that the government has "bought everything that could be bought, including the opposition."

Conclusion: The Power of Collective Action

The summary concludes with Yelena Papadich joining thousands of students in another march in Novisad, commemorating the tragedy at the train station. The video emphasizes that what makes these demonstrations different from past pro-democracy movements is the people themselves, who understand that "it's now or never." With "nothing to lose," the protesters see this as their "last chance" to seize Serbia's future. The students are credited with proving that "courage can be contagious."