Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced this evening that a student protest is planned for March 15 in Belgrade, specifically in front of the Serbian Parliament, with an anticipated turnout of between 60,000 and 80,000 participants from across Serbia.

In an interview with Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), he stated that estimates suggest there might be fewer than 60,000 attendees, and he vowed that any individuals engaging in violent behavior would be arrested.

Vučić expressed concern that “the most serious crimes will be committed” on Saturday and emphasized the need for the state to “intervene swiftly.”

“Violence seems inevitable, as plans are already in place that we are aware of… Agreements have been made regarding who will come bearing eggs, who will bring stones, and who will approach the Parliament with torches,” he remarked.

He further mentioned that authorities are attempting to address “some of these individuals” prior to Saturday’s event.

“Avoiding violence is nearly impossible, as I know the troublemakers aligned with political parties… They aim to exploit these students staging blockades… but once that is over, the state will take action,” he asserted.

Vučić also commented that the government is informed about all preparations, claiming that the students will “approach collectively” from multiple locations, including Trg Republike, Novi Beograd, and Autokomanda.

He stated that state authorities will provide protection for students who are gathering in Pioneer Park, where they are demanding that university classes resume by March 17th.

He urged the protesting students not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for “self-serving objectives.”

As the president, he reiterated his appeal particularly to young people to refrain from participating in violence.

He asserted with “certainty” that “students risk losing an academic year,” adding that “the conclusion will be reached on Saturday” as public tolerance for violence has reached its limit.

He assessed that the demands of the protesting students have already been addressed and reemphasized that there would be no transitional government, contrary to opposition demands.

Vučić explained that discussions regarding the person nominated to form the Serbian Government will only occur after Prime Minister Miloš Vučević’s resignation is confirmed.

He characterized a transitional government as “catastrophic for Serbia, marking the end of a modern, successful, and prosperous nation.” He believes such a scenario would lead to a return to power for the worst elements of society without elections or public approval.

The scheduled session on the situation in RS and BiH will be postponed.

The President of Serbia stated that he will request Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik to reschedule his visit to the Serbian Parliament, noting that the session concerning the situation in RS and BiH, originally planned for March 14, 15, and 16, will be deferred.

“I apologize to President Dodik. I will request that he reschedule his visit to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia for another day. I had already spoken to him today, but now I see that these individuals have made the decision to resort to violence… Therefore, I will ask President Dodik to postpone his visit. We had previously made arrangements for the 14th, 15th, and 16th, and they seem determined to protest in front of the National Assembly, possibly to disrupt President Dodik and the Assembly. They don’t seem to care. The plenary sessions and assemblies are subject to their whims,” Vučić stated, according to RTS.

He disagrees with the messages from Washington regarding Dodik.

Vučić expressed his disagreement with statements from Washington indicating that Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik is undermining the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

“I plan to engage with American representatives to present them with alternative arguments,” Vučić remarked during his interview with RTS.

Earlier today, US Senator Chuck Grassley from the ruling Republican Party claimed that Dodik supports separatist policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and noted that Croatian separatists in the country are now following a similar path.

“Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Bosnian Serbs, promotes separatism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now, Bosnian Croats, the separatists, have also taken action,” Grassley posted on the X social platform.

Just days prior, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Dodik is “undermining BiH and its security and stability”.

Vučić highlighted that “(NATO Secretary General) Mark Rutte was in Sarajevo today,” and mentioned their recent discussions, announcing another meeting in Brussels on March 19th.

“On the 24th, I will be in Brussels to meet with (European officials) Antonio Costa and Von der Leyen, though I might be slightly off on the exact date,” Vučić stated.

Dodik’s political actions, including laws enacted under his directive to restrict the operations of state judicial institutions of BiH and the Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) within RS, have faced condemnation from the UK and major EU nations, including Germany, France, and Italy.

These laws were passed following a conviction by the Court of BiH, which found Dodik guilty in the first instance for failing to implement the High Representative’s decisions in BiH.

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