In a day marked by contrasting events, a woman drove a car into a crowd of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, Serbia, injuring one person. The incident occurred amidst a student-led strike that paralyzed businesses and drew tens of thousands of demonstrators across the country.
President Aleksandar Vucic held a rally in Jagodina, his stronghold, where he addressed supporters, emphasizing that Serbia is facing external and internal threats due to the ongoing protests. Vucic highlighted the country's relationships with Russia and China, stating that the protests aim to undermine these ties.
Despite calls for dialogue with the striking students, who have garnered widespread support, Vucic's attempts at negotiation have been rebuffed. The protests, triggered by a train station canopy collapse that resulted in 15 deaths, have been ongoing for nearly three months, challenging Vucic's authority.
Police detained the driver responsible for the recent car incident in Belgrade, mirroring a similar occurrence from the previous week. Many Serbians attribute the train station tragedy to corruption, fueling demands for accountability and transparency in governance.
The protests have led to a one-day general strike, with various businesses and institutions participating in solidarity with the students. Vucic, in response, announced the formation of a new political movement to consolidate his party's influence, drawing comparisons to Russia's United Russia party.
Accusations of foreign interference and violence against protesters have marred the demonstrations, which have disrupted daily life in Serbia. The legal actions taken against government officials in connection with the canopy collapse have raised concerns about the independence of the investigation.
As tensions escalate, Serbia remains divided, with protests continuing in major cities and calls for change growing louder. The future of the country hangs in the balance as citizens demand accountability and reform from their leaders.
