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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic Holds Rally Amid Ongoing Unrest

Tens of thousands of supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic gathered in Belgrade for a rally, which comes after a series of protests that have gripped Serbia over recent months. According to a monitoring group, approximately 55,000 individuals made their way to the National Assembly to demonstrate their support for the president. Despite some followers traveling from neighboring areas, turnout was markedly less than the significant anti-government protests that occurred just a month prior.

The unrest in Serbia can be traced back to November, when a tragic incident at a railway station in Novi Sad resulted in the deaths of 15 people. This disaster ignited public outrage and has led to frequent demonstrations across the country. Many citizens have pointed fingers at what they describe as corruption and undermining of safety standards by Vucic’s ruling Progressive Party.

Promoting the rally as the inauguration of a “Movement for the People and the State,” Vucic claimed it was essential for the preservation of Serbia against supposed external threats attempting to destabilize the nation. In his speech at the event, he urged prosecutors to act in restoring order and tranquility, alleging that protests led by students were jeopardizing the country’s peace. Vucic went further by accusing demonstrators of being financially backed by foreign intelligence agencies, hinting at unnamed adversaries who, in his view, cannot accept an independent Serbia.

During the rally, Vucic also took aim at the state broadcaster, RTS, characterizing it as a pivotal participant in what he termed an attempted “colour revolution.” This statement reflected his suspicion that some media entities were undermining his government’s authority.

The November tragedy, coupled with the consequential protests, led to public discontent directed at the ruling Progressive Party. Critics argued that the incident was symptomatic of a broader issue of mismanagement and neglect, pointing out that the railway project was a cornerstone of the government’s ambitious infrastructure plans, specifically the high-speed line connecting Belgrade and Budapest.

In the wake of the Novi Sad incident, demonstrations grew larger, utilizing the slogan “corruption kills” to emphasize the perceived dangers arising from questionable government contracts that favor select construction firms over public safety. The protests persisted despite several resignations from government officials and Vucic’s assertions that he would remain in power.

Last month marked a pivotal moment in the protest movement, as estimates suggested that up to 325,000 people assembled in the capital, potentially setting a record as Serbia’s largest protest to date. The continuing unrest signifies deep-rooted frustrations within Serbian society and raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and public trust in leadership.

Source
www.bbc.com