Today, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declared that “the state will implement all necessary measures”—without disclosing specifics—to guarantee that the gathering of Serbian citizens in Belgrade tomorrow, organized by protesting students, remains “peaceful and secure.” He also announced that those who incite disturbances will be arrested.

In his public remarks, he warned that anyone attacking demonstrators will be apprehended, while “demonstrators attempting to breach institutions will also face arrest.”

“I urge everyone to refrain from causing unrest. I was alarmed by reports of balaclavas, Molotov cocktails, and baseball bats found in a stolen vehicle,” he stated, though he lacked details on the matter.

He termed tomorrow’s demonstration as “illegal,” asserting that “the organizers will bear all responsibility,” yet affirmed that “the state will still assist in safeguarding the event.”

Vučić emphasized the role of the security police in maintaining peace during the gathering, instructing them to resort to force only when necessary to protect against threats.

During the first 15 minutes of his address, he recounted his perspective on events from December 1st until now, accusing protesters of violence towards citizens and the media, particularly RTS.

He elaborated on incidents in the Serbian Parliament, claiming there was no willingness for dialogue. He repeatedly referred to “they” without specifying, attributing leadership of protests to “Dragan Šolak,” co-owner of “United Media,” which owns major cable TV channels N1 and Nova S.

Vučić asserted that he had offered elections and a referendum, but “they” rejected all proposals and rational dialogue, seeking a place in government without public support.

“I suppose they thought I would change my position as March 15 (the protest in Belgrade) approached, but I reiterate that there will be no transitional governments without elections as long as I am alive,” Vučić remarked, adding that he had “made a vow” to resist blackmail and pressure.

He dismissed the decisions made by student plenums and citizens’ assemblies called by students.

Vučić urged all students attending tomorrow’s protest to remain peaceful, noting that if the situation escalates, the state would act to ensure safety and protect the citizens.

He also asserted that Serbia has demonstrated itself as a “guardian of democracy,” having tolerated unlawful behavior and protected those violating the Constitution and freedom of movement.

“It secured their rallies… no other country would do that,” he stated.

Regarding the EU’s comments about tomorrow’s protest, he called them “hypocritical,” indicating he would have significant discussions with EU representatives on “March 24th and 25th.”

“They have said nothing substantial, except that we need to secure something that was illegally organized—no problem, we will ensure it, not because of your (the EU’s) demands, but because we want to protect young people and children,” he added.

He rejected the notion propagated by a faction of the opposition that the government intends to declare a state of emergency in Serbia.

“We have neither imposed a state of emergency nor do we plan to… it is not even on our radar to enact a state of emergency or anything similar,” he stated.

According to him, the government is not preparing for such a scenario and will not require it.

He mentioned that between 60,000 and 80,000 individuals are expected to participate in tomorrow’s protest, estimating that about 33,000 of them will come to Belgrade from various locations.

He expressed his firm opposition to the ban on the Movement of Free Citizens (PSG), noting that five of its members were arrested today in Novi Sad on suspicions of undermining the constitutional order.

He further asserted that there is nothing terroristic in the PSG’s program, nor anything that incites violence.

“We need to cultivate respect for political parties and refrain from banning them… we don’t need bans, we need dialogue. I will always oppose banning any political party,” he declared.

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