Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić finds himself in a precarious situation, as reported by the Brussels-based portal Politiko today. The outlet raises concerns about his ability to escape the pressure, providing insights from the significant protest rally in Belgrade on March 15, where a sonic boom reportedly swept through a crowded mass of demonstrators, speculated to be caused by a “sonic cannon.”

According to Politiko, the ongoing protests represent the most prominent and widespread demonstrations in Serbia’s contemporary history, igniting after the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. The site notes that this incident left many feeling vulnerable, as if they too could have been present under that structure.

The protests, spearheaded by students, have gained momentum due to their unique ability to rally daily, unlike other frustrated citizens who are burdened by work and family responsibilities. Their physical fitness allows them to propagate the protest message far and wide, reaching even the most distant corners of Serbia.

Politiko attributes this to a significant reason for the protest growth, highlighting how the students’ efforts managed to bypass the government-controlled narratives pushed by state television and “virulently pro-Vučić tabloids and dailies.” The portal also points out that pro-government media outlets have “completely ignored the protests from the outset.”

The protests “culminated on Saturday when at least 100,000 people descended upon Belgrade, arriving from across the country to demand more serious action from the government regarding corruption,” writes Politiko. The report recalls that prior to this, the government and the parliament, led by the Serbian Progressive Party, attempted to downplay the protests while also making concessions, neither of which managed to inhibit the protests’ momentum. In fact, many government loyalists began to sympathize with the protestors.

This surge prompted “many individuals to feel compelled to travel to Belgrade last Saturday,” according to Politiko.

The portal contrasts the official police estimate of 107,000 attendees at the protest with other estimates suggesting around 300,000 participants, noting that accurately counting attendees is challenging due to the crowd’s density across main boulevards, side streets, and spaces before significant institutions and residences.

“Anyone present could attest that the crowd was tightly packed, shoulder to shoulder, for nearly three hours, rendering movement nearly impossible over a two-kilometer stretch of inner-city Belgrade. Protestors carried slogans, sang rallying songs, and some creative students crafted cardboard puppets of politicians with their mouths stuffed with banknotes,” writes Politiko.

The portal goes on to mention that during a 15-minute tribute to the victims of the canopy collapse around seven in the evening, a sudden, deafening hissing sound dispersed the crowd at Kralja Milan, causing many to fall and sustain injuries.

Local media speculate that “this was the work of a sonic cannon, a controversial crowd control device or long-range acoustic device (LRAD) that emits high-frequency sounds capable of causing pain, disorientation, and potential long-term hearing damage.”

In response, Vučić denied using LRAD, claiming instead that it was an anti-drone weapon or an electronic device designed to disrupt drones by interfering with their GPS systems and radio signals, effectively forcing them to land or become uncontrollable, as reported by the Brussels-based outlet, which adds that “an urgent investigation” is ongoing.

Politiko questions whether the expanding protest movement in Serbia could lead to Vučić’s downfall, but concludes it is still too early to determine.

The portal highlights that Vučić’s attempts to alleviate governmental pressure have yielded limited results, including forcing the resignation of three ministers, the mayor of Novi Sad, and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, alongside the publication of documents related to plans for reconstructing the Novi Sad train station.

The public remains unenthused by Vučić’s actions regarding the resignations, as he appears to demonstrate that those surrounding him, including close associates, are disposable as long as he retains power. The publication of documentation has not quelled fears that similar oversights won’t reoccur, despite being one of the protesters’ central demands, writes Politiko.

Politiko views Vučić’s call for a “colored revolution” as counterproductive, noting that similar rhetoric is utilized by “Viktor Orban, Vladimir Putin, Robert Fico, and other undemocratic leaders.”

Vučić asserted on Instagram that he “will not allow a repeat of Maidan in Serbia” and has repeatedly claimed—most recently in an interview with Donald Trump Jr. last week in Belgrade—that international foundations and foreign governments are ostensibly funding the protests in Serbia, aiming to dissuade participation.

So far, this strategy has been minimally effective, as suggested by the persistence and growth of the protests, according to Politiko.

The portal also examines the European Union’s stance on the upheaval in Serbia, noting an upcoming meeting between Vučić and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the protests.

However, Politiko observes that the demonstrators remain largely unimpressed by any EU support for their cause, with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos focusing her statements on condemning violence against protestors.

The portal underscores the absence of the European Union flag at the protests, reflecting the public’s view of Vučić as “a Brussels man in Belgrade feigning commitment to European values when speaking to Brussels or during visits from figures like Von der Leyen—as long as they do not criticize him too harshly.”

Furthermore, Politiko highlights the negative implications for the EU’s image due to its “support for the controversial lithium mine in Serbia—a highly unpopular move—intended to secure the Union’s stable supply of essential minerals for competing with China in electric vehicle production.”

This has helped cement the perception among Serbians that Brussels is the enemy and that European flags should remain absent from the streets, concludes Politiko.

The portal emphasizes the significant impact of tennis legend Novak Djokovic expressing support for the protests in recent months. This gesture resonates deeply with the Serbian populace, who hold him in high esteem, especially given his previous avoidance of political commentary and occasional photos with Vučić. Djokovic’s stance signifies dwindling support for Vučić, even among his staunchest allies, as assessed by Politiko.

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