Civic assemblies known as the Zborovi of Novi Sad have called for a public gathering outside the Serbian National Theatre (SNP) on February 16, coinciding with the second day of celebrations marking Serbia’s Statehood Day.
The gathering is planned ahead of a Ceremonial Academy scheduled at 20:00, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Matica srpska, one of Serbia’s oldest cultural and scientific institutions. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has been announced as one of the event participants.
In a public statement, the civic groups urged citizens to join the gathering under the slogan “No, you cannot come to Novi Sad, Vučić!”, though they did not specify the exact time for the protest.
The organizers claimed that authorities had been “wrongly informed that Novi Sad had calmed down” and insisted that residents remained committed to their cause. They further encouraged citizens to welcome the president “in a manner that befits the fight for justice, victims, and the freedom of the city and country.”
The statement also included strong rhetoric, calling for a large public turnout outside the theatre.
President Vučić recently visited Novi Sad on February 8, reportedly without prior official announcement or media notification. During that visit, he briefly greeted attendees at the “Homeland Fair” before stopping at a nearby kiosk, where he was seen eating a sandwich.
The visit, which involved a significant security presence including gendarmerie and police forces, sparked criticism and dissatisfaction among a segment of Novi Sad residents.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response regarding the announced gathering.
