Seven hours after key figures from the state and the Serbian Progressive Party advocated for dialogue, police batons were in action in Novi Sad.

Reports indicate that supporters of the SNS exited the party headquarters to chase and assault students attempting to place stickers calling for a new protest. One female student was hospitalized due to a dislocated jaw.

Just sixteen hours following the call for dialogue, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević submitted his “irrevocable” resignation.

In his public address, he elaborated on how he believes the protests in Serbia were instigated from foreign entities, asserted that the canopy collapse in Novi Sad was politically exploited, and attributed blame for the violence to both the assailants and the victims.

Vučević stated that his resignation, along with that of Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić, was a move toward accountability “to prevent this from escalating into street conflicts and societal divisions.”

“Obscuring the public’s view”

Nonetheless, initial reactions suggest that this decision—essentially the fall of the entire government—will not appease students and other citizens who are protesting, nor will it quell the unrest.

“This resignation comes nearly three months too late. Had they acted with integrity earlier, the tension and violence could have been lessened. Now it seems they are merely trying to limit the visible political damage to the SNS’s reputation,” remarked Pavle Grbović, leader of the Movement of Free Citizens, in an interview with DW.

The entire opposition has chosen to boycott the parliamentary session called by the parliament’s first lady, Ana Brnabić, on Tuesday. The follow-up session scheduled for Wednesday was canceled altogether—rendering the issue of confidence in the government moot.

Grbović stated that Vučević’s resignation serves only to “obscure the public’s view” from the students’ clear demands.

He believes that President Aleksandar Vučić is not assisted by the comfort of purported public opinion polls that suggest he still retains support. “The reality is evident in cities that have historically resisted oppression; now, they are rising against the reign of terror instituted by the SNS.”

It remains uncertain whether Vučić will attempt to call for snap elections during this volatile period—a move the opposition would undoubtedly boycott—or if, more likely, the ruling coalition will appoint a new prime minister.

The protests persist

The continuation of student dissent is evident, with new protests planned and the established practice of fifteen-minute intersection blockades resuming on Tuesday at 11:52.

Initial responses from experts indicate that key documents remain absent from the extensive file of published materials on the reconstruction of the Novi Sad Railway Station.

Additionally, last night, new names were added to the list of “thugs” to be prosecuted—including those who attacked students in Novi Sad—a demand from the student activists.

“For 13 years, and especially over the last three months, the SNS has fostered an environment of invulnerability, signaling to party members that they were above reproach and could act with impunity,” noted political scientist Dejan Bursać.

“Thus, it’s remarkable that local activists began physically assaulting students mere hours after the SNS purported to seek a reduction in tensions,” he conveyed to DW.

Bursać suggests that the mood within the ruling party was uneasy on Tuesday morning, leading to a decision to sacrifice Prime Minister Vučević and Mayor Đurić as political scapegoats, representing those who “extend” their influence in Novi Sad.

While it might be too soon for definitive evaluations, Bursać leans towards the view that the opportunity for “dialogue” has been lost. “Things could have calmed down a couple of months ago, but now trust in Vučić has eroded.”

When and how will this conclude?

The political and social crisis, characterized by the student and citizen rebellion and supported by various trade unions, shows no signs of resolution.

Furthermore, there currently exists no viable means to redirect this dissatisfaction into traditional political avenues. During the recent 24-hour blockade at Autokomanda, students reiterated their desire to maintain distance from opposition political entities.

However, sources inform DW that the opposition now finds itself compelled to follow the students’ lead, boycott parliament, and be cautious not to convey the impression of attempting to “hijack” the protests.

“It’s a peculiar scenario where the ruling party has lost all legitimacy, while the opposition fails to mobilize and galvanize voters,” remarked Bursać.

He further commented that this situation may drag on for several months, or even years.

This unfolding situation is evolving rapidly. Events in Serbia are occurring in quick succession, and it is uncertain whether the Prime Minister’s and Government’s resignation will even dominate the news cycle, as new developments are always on the horizon.

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