The ongoing protests in Serbia may not only prompt a regime change but also foster societal recovery by reaffirming values like solidarity and empathy, according to Dragan Popović, director of the Center for Practical Politics, in an interview with “Vijesti”.

Ivan Stanojević, assistant professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade, believes the protests have reignited faith in unity, direct democracy, and the common good.

In discussing the difference between the March 15th protests and the events of October 5th, Popović states that every historical moment is unique. “October 5th belongs to a different era than today’s circumstances. The internal and international contexts have evolved, as have technologies like internet media and social networks,” he remarked, stressing that the issue lies in people’s expectations rather than results.

“It’s natural for people to rely on past experiences. However, the circumstances that led to Milošević’s downfall are distinct. While October 5 was crucial in our history, it also had its drawbacks. Today’s protests represent a more profound social uprising that might bring about not just a regime change, but also a societal renewal emphasizing solidarity and empathy,” he stated.

Stanojević emphasized that the March 15th protest was never meant to mirror October 5th. “Those who feel disappointed may not have closely followed the developments. The student movement has garnered significant public trust, collaborating on principles supportive of non-violence. The fact that hundreds of thousands of citizens adhered to the students’ instructions before and during the rally speaks volumes. When the students declared the rally over, participants exited peacefully. The dedication and organization of the student guards, alongside bikers and military veterans, were vital in preventing bloodshed.”

Popović pointed out that the March 15th protest marks the largest gathering in Serbia’s history, a detail that highlights its significance. “The sheer number of attendees and their determination to rally—despite authorities restricting public transport to Belgrade—underscores the strength of the ideas motivating them. The quest for justice and the demand to restore institutions to the people are powerful catalysts for mobilization,” he noted, adding that the state’s attempts at fearmongering and intimidation failed to deter citizens, indicating their strong desire for change. “The messages from March 15 are undeniably positive for Serbian society.”

Stanojević believes the protest demonstrated two primary truths.

“First, the oppressive regime led by Aleksandar Vučić is unyielding—from threats by high officials to sabotaging public transport and resorting to violence against peaceful citizens, including children and students during moments of tribute to the Novi Sad victims. Second, students have emerged as Serbia’s leading socio-political force, orchestrating the largest and most impressive protest in the nation’s history. They united communities across the country with dignity until the regime’s tactics of violence disrupted the peaceful gathering.”

When inquiring about the use of a “sound cannon” during the protests, Popović confirmed that such a weapon was indeed employed. “Approximately 4,000 individuals have reported incidents to civil society organizations. Independent international organizations also estimate, based on available recordings, that sonic weapons were utilized against the protestors.”

Popović highlighted that the government’s use of these prohibited means signifies a crossing of another red line, suggesting that severe violence was premeditated for March 15th, all while framing itself as a stabilizing force. “Vučić’s government has consistently acted as an instigator, showing it can control the situation. The focused response from students and civilians thwarted this narrative, unveiling a government marked by repression and violence against peaceful citizens paying tribute to victims from the Novi Sad disaster.”

Stanojević concurred regarding the use of sonic weapons, asserting the regime’s readiness to harm civilians, a tactic reminiscent of past atrocities.

Since Saturday, the opposition and demonstrators have accused the police of wielding the “sound cannon,” denying such allegations. Popović observed that the protests have had far-reaching effects, mobilizing society like never before. “The persistence over the last four months showcases people’s dedication and creativity in pursuing the students’ goals. This has resonated deeply, especially with individuals from smaller rural areas who previously felt unheard. A newfound civic solidarity is emerging across Serbia, with communities rallying around schools and neighborhoods, sharing vital resources, and pressuring compromised institutions. These developments signal a promising shift in societal dynamics, fostering hope for a brighter future.”

The protests are undeniably political and will likely nurture a new generation of activists and politicians, suggesting they may be more impactful than traditional political protests, according to Dragan Popović.

Stanojević shared that the protests have achieved two significant outcomes: breaking the media silence linking rural communities and raising awareness that government-controlled media distort the truth. Additionally, the protests have dispelled fear, replacing it with empathy, hope, and solidarity.

When posed a question about the ongoing efforts of students and the perceived political impotence of protests, Popović emphasized their critical role. “The students initiated this movement and fueled it with a force no other social group could muster. Their relentless spirit, innovative strategies, and commitment to nonviolence have inspired all social classes to engage. They enjoy widespread support and have skillfully maintained distance from political affiliations, anchoring their appeal among diverse demographics.”

This separation from political actors is not seen as a drawback but as a crucial strength of the movement. “They have smartly avoided the pitfalls of dismissing politics by demonstrating that the entire protest is inherently political and may yield generational shifts in activism.

“Our focus should not solely be on what more students can do, but what we can do for them and for society as a whole,” noted Ivan Stanojević.

Inspiringly, citizens have started organizing independently, holding protests and rallies alongside students, leading to a renewed faith in unity and direct democracy.

Popović summarized that students’ core demands center on establishing the rule of law and accountability in public life. “Meeting these demands would, in essence, dismantle the authoritarian structure established by Aleksandar Vučić. Therefore, fulfilling them is impractical for this government. This reality exposes its corrupt foundation, reinforcing the strength of the students’ demands as a critical check against regime control.”

Stanojević echoed Popović’s sentiments, asserting it is unrealistic for a regime that targets students to fulfill their demands.

It’s not time for elections yet.

Recently, the Serbian Parliament confirmed the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević following an incident involving students in Novi Sad. The government will continue its technical mandate for 30 days until a new government is formed or the parliament is dissolved, prompting early elections.

Commenting on Vučić’s election plans, Popović expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of elections under current circumstances. “Elections will occur eventually, but they won’t be straightforward for the authorities to organize. The opposition struggles to find consensus on participating in elections controlled entirely by the Vučić regime. All public resources and media outlets are under its command, making it imperative for any elections to stem from negotiations that yield fair conditions.”

According to Stanojević, Vučić’s election announcements are merely desperate efforts to regain control and divert attention from the students’ objectives.

While the opposition calls for a transitional government, true change will only come when the regime seeks a political truce with the populace, akin to the atmosphere following October 5th, Stanojević assessed.

Popović suggested that a transitional government could be a potential solution, enabling students’ demands to be met, fostering fair elections through the restoration of independent media institutions.

Any agreement to pursue such a path would have to be driven by public pressure, highlighting that the success of interim governance is contingent on student and civic advocacy.

Stanojević agreed with the concept but believes the moment is not ripe for it. “While power is firmly grasped by the regime, transitional governments hold no efficacy. They can only materialize under cooperative circumstances or when political mercy is sought. Currently, the opposition’s appeal for transitional governance receives no reciprocation from the regime.”

Opposition more popular than government in surveys for the first time

Recent polling by the New Serbian Political Thought (NSPM) indicates nearly 60 percent of adult citizens support the student protests, while less than 32 percent oppose them.

The data reveals that the current government garners support from only about a third of adult citizens (32.8%), while most respondents favor the opposition (41.3%) or remain undecided (25.9%). This survey marks a historic first, showing the opposition’s lead at the republic level since the SNS took power.

Opinions diverge on forming a transitional government (38.3% vs. 37.2%), but a majority (44.5%) favors holding early elections only after ensuring equitable conditions. Almost the same percentage (44.7%) also endorses students forming a political presence in future elections, as reported by NSPM.

The survey was conducted in early March with a representative sample of 1,050 citizens.

News