Protests in Serbia: Young generation demands change against Vučić!

Protests in Serbia: Young generation demands change against Vučić!

A huge storm of protest is brewing in Serbia. For several months, thousands of people fought for change again and again - and the spark also spread in Switzerland. Many Serbs there support the protest movement in their homeland. The uprising began after a tragic incident in Novi Sad, where the collapse of a canopy claimed the lives of 15 people, presumably due to botched construction. This event was followed by nationwide protests against corruption and the mismanagement of the government under President Aleksandar Vučić. “Something wonderful is happening,” says a Serbian-Swiss dual citizen who came from Switzerland especially for the large-scale demonstration SRF reported.

In Serbia itself, there are signs that the protests are increasing in intensity. Resentment against Vučić is growing because he has established a system that is heavily tailored to his party. While many Serbs have taken to the streets in recent months to voice their demands for functioning institutions and separation of powers, the government has so far remained undeterred. Although the mood is tense - supporters of Vučić have set up a tent camp in front of the government headquarters - there have been no serious riots so far. The media from Serbia also reports this. This is what the “Informer” headlines after the Serbian national football team’s draw against Austria on Thursday: “The ‘Eagles’ went from prey to hunters,” and there is speculation that the second leg will be anything but easy. "Samardzic goal gives hope. Everything will explode in Belgrade," highlights the "Vecernje novosti", pointing to an impending explosion of celebration as the Serbian team achieved a 1-1 draw in Vienna against a strong Austrian selection, giving the team an optimal starting position for the second leg, as Krone.at reported.

The demonstrations in Serbia therefore not only have an impact on the political landscape, but also the sports world touches the collective feeling of being like-minded. The mood among supporters is ambivalent: many want change, while others praise the country's development under Vučić. “I hope that calm will return soon,” says an older Serb. However, the outcome of these protests could have a lasting impact on Serbia's future image. It remains to be seen whether this will also have an impact on sporting success.