During today’s military parade in Belgrade, students attempting to show support for the Serbian Armed Forces were prevented from attending by the Gendarmerie, raising questions about whether the military serves the people or the ruling regime.
Although students and citizens gathered to demonstrate that the army belongs to the nation, they were blocked from approaching the parade and witnessing the military’s capabilities.
Political analyst Dragomir Anđelković suggested multiple reasons for this restriction:
- The student presence could have overshadowed the staged audience organized by President Aleksandar Vučić, whose participants appeared artificial compared to the natural and spontaneous students.
- Students’ defiant and proud stance could have sent a strong message of democratic resistance to observers, highlighting opposition to authoritarian rule.
- Even parts of the military might have been tempted to show subtle support for the students, exposing the regime’s vulnerability.
Anđelković noted that while ordinary soldiers and officers may sympathize with the people, the military leadership aligns closely with Vučić and the SNS party, enforcing hierarchical obedience. The student exclusion reflects the government’s fear of losing control.
Miroslav Parović, founder of the National Libertarian Movement, emphasized that Vučić’s paranoia drove the restrictions, aiming to prevent large public demonstrations and ridicule, even at the cost of public perception.
Miloš Parandilović, president of New Face of Serbia, criticized the regime for using the military as a political tool, highlighting the financial waste of over €15 million for the parade and additional funds for unnecessary road repairs, instead of addressing real public needs.
The “Strength of Unity” parade featured 10,000 participants, approximately 2,500 weapons and military vehicles, 600 vehicles, 70 aircraft, and 20 naval units. Meanwhile, students were forcibly prevented from showing their support for the army, despite their stated intention to honor those serving Serbia with integrity.
