Serbian citizens demonstrate in Vienna for democracy and change

Serbian citizens demonstrate in Vienna for democracy and change

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Österreich - On Monday evening there was an impressive protest on Maria-Theresien-Platz in Vienna, in which Serbian citizens were commented against their government in Belgrade. The participants, who gathered under the banner of the protest movement "Serbian students cycling for democracy", waved numerous cell phone lights as well as Serbian and other flags to demonstrate for democracy and political change in Serbia. The event was organized by the "Blokada Beč" group (Blockade Vienna), which is committed to the concerns of the demonstrators. A moving moment of the rally was the minute of commemoration for the victims of the tragic collapse of the station roof in Novi Sad, which cost 16 people on November 1, 2024. Despite the fact that charges were raised against 13 responsible charges, the judiciary remains passive in this regard. In the course of the accident, two ministers resigned because corruption is suspected as a possible reason.

The protest movement in Serbia has steadily gained dynamics in the past few weeks, with the highlight with a large rally in Belgrade in mid -March 2025. Over 100,000 people gathered to protest against corruption and the government of President Aleksandar Vučić. The participants often traveled from different parts of the country on foot for days and weeks. In Vienna, too, the connection with the demonstrators in Serbia became visible and underlined the international dimension of the protests. Already on Friday evening, around 31,000 people gathered to celebrate the arrival of the demonstrators in Belgrade. According to the Ministry of the Interior, there were 107,000 participants on the day of the major rally, although no major incidents were reported by the afternoon.

allegations to the government

The protests were accompanied by severe allegations against the government. Critics accuse President of Vučić an autocratic leadership style and the unrest are increasingly regarded as a test for his government. As a result, Vučić expressed that he understood the message of the protesters, but emphasized that a change was only possible through elections. However, this dialogue took place against the background of persistent tensions, with some experts warned that every subsequent reaction on the part of the government could lead to arrests from government members.

on the sidelines of the protests were also actively determined against the constitutional order: six activists were arrested on Friday because they were suspected of having planned actions against the government. These measures contributed to the further escalation of the conflict, especially since the state media reported a alleged “coup” by the students. The Archbishop of Belgrade, Ladislav Nemet, showed solidarity with the protesters and demanded a peaceful course of events, while Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned at the end of January 2025. President Vučić defended himself against the allegations and also blamed foreign interference for the protests.

The Situation remains tense and the protests in Vienna reflect on the social unrest in Serbia. Observers agree that this is only the beginning of a long -lasting argument about democracy and political reforms in the region. Worldwide attention to these developments could increase the pressure on the Serbian government and strengthen the willingness of citizens to stand up for their rights.

For more information on the protests in Serbia and Vienna, see OE24 and ZDF .