The remarkable uprising of students and citizens in Serbia against the “corrupt, clientelist regime” shows no signs of waning, and its influence is even spreading within government structures, reports the Spanish newspaper “Periodiko”.

“Periodiko” highlights that neither Russia, the United States, nor the European Union has shown support for the Serbian protesters, noting that “the EU remains firmly behind Germany’s stance to keep the perceived lesser evil in power.”

According to the Spanish publication, EU decision-makers believe that President Aleksandar Vučić possesses the ability to maintain regional stability, particularly concerning the ongoing Kosovo conflict amid the war in Ukraine.

The conciliatory remarks from European leaders have greatly disappointed the Serbian protesters, states “Periodiko”.

Additionally, “a new reality is taking shape in Serbia, with adult citizens joining the youth in protests, despite facing government propaganda and attacks, including accusations that authorities have used sound cannons against demonstrators.”

Yet, the Spanish newspaper notes in a detailed piece that recent polls indicate over 60 percent of the population supports the protests, attracting widespread participation across diverse social groups.

People from all walks of life, including academics, artists, and celebrities like tennis star Novak Djokovic, alongside miners, workers, educators, small business owners, taxi drivers, and farmers, are joining the demonstrations, rallying around concerns such as environmental protection and socioeconomic disparities, points out “Periodiko”.

However, the uprising has yet to dismantle Vučić’s reign, built on a clientelistic network involving state officials and local political leaders who control the economy and allocate public and private resources among themselves.

This faction may not be a majority in Serbia, but it continues to hold power due to the fragmented opposition’s failure to present a viable alternative, says “Periodiko”.

Nevertheless, there are increasing protests within governmental bodies, notably at Radio Television of Serbia. Solidarity actions, such as the strike led by Darko Šper at Radio Television of Vojvodina (RTV), underscore support for the students’ demands and condemnation of the state-controlled media’s propagandistic reporting.

“Periodiko” further comments on strikes occurring in segments of the Serbian judiciary, with lawyer Rodoljub Šabić stating, “the situation in the country has reached a critical point where change is imperative.”

The Spanish publication concludes with Šabić’s assertion that “the current regime, as numerous global reports indicate, has relegated Serbia to one of the most corrupt nations, plagued by organized crime, a feeble rule of law, severely restricted press freedom, and has transformed it into one of the poorest countries in Europe.”

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