Despite coverage by pro-government Serbian media, including tabloid Informer, which called the event a “moment of pride” and an “unprecedented national gathering,” available evidence indicates that the so-called “March from Kosovo” was not an authentic expression of solidarity among Kosovo Serbs. Instead, it was a politically orchestrated event supporting President Aleksandar Vučić and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Key Facts and Observations:
- Exaggerated Attendance Figures: Informer claimed that over 50,000 people greeted the marchers arriving in Belgrade. Independent verification of this number is lacking, and it is likely inflated to create a false impression of nationwide support.
- Political Organization, Not Spontaneity: Footage and statements from participants show that the gathering was carefully organized by SNS, including the mobilization of party members and public institution employees from multiple cities.
- Misuse of Terminology: The term “Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija” was used to suggest broad-based support. In reality, many young Kosovars have actively supported student protests against corruption and government negligence, demonstrating a significant divide in public opinion.
- Media Sensationalism: Informer’s coverage employed emotional rhetoric such as “GRUNULA SRBIJA” and “scenes to make you shiver”, amplifying the narrative of spontaneous national unity for political purposes.
Critical Analysis:
The event, promoted as a historic moment of national unity, exposes Vučić’s reliance on spectacle and media manipulation to consolidate political support. The orchestrated nature of the rally and the use of tabloid sensationalism highlight the regime’s prioritization of political theater over genuine democratic expression. Rather than reflecting the true sentiment of Serbs in Kosovo, the march served as a political tool to legitimize Vučić’s authority and marginalize dissenting voices, including students and civic activists challenging systemic corruption.
Conclusion:
The “March from Kosovo” should not be interpreted as a spontaneous or unanimous expression of Serbian solidarity. Instead, it was a carefully managed political event, demonstrating how Vučić and his administration manipulate public perception to maintain control. Independent verification and critical reporting remain essential to counter misleading narratives propagated by pro-government media.
