The tent settlement of supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in central Belgrade will remain in place indefinitely, according to the city’s Secretary for Traffic, Bojan Bovan, as reported by Beta news agency.
The encampment, set up in early March between the Presidency of Serbia, the National Assembly, and City Hall, was officially registered with police on March 6, Bovan said.
“The decision will remain in force as long as the space is occupied by those who reported it to the police. Opening traffic in this area would endanger both the people present and traffic participants,” Bovan explained.
Background of the Encampment
- Initially, SNS supporters occupied Pionirski Park, in front of the Presidency building where President Aleksandar Vučić has his office.
- This came just days before a large student-citizen protest in mid-March, which demanded government accountability for the death of 16 people in the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy on November 1, 2024.
- The camp later expanded to Nikola Pašić Square, blocking one of the capital’s main traffic arteries for six months.
Tensions With Protesters
- Student and civic groups that have been blocking faculties across Serbia also demanded the removal of the tent camp, but authorities ignored the request.
- During mass demonstrations on March 15 and June 28, heavy police cordons separated protesters from SNS supporters to prevent clashes.
- Several incidents of violence were reported, with camp residents attacking citizens and journalists attempting to pass through the area.
Current Situation
- Pionirski Park remains closed to the public, surrounded by metal fencing and guarded by police.
- The expanded street camp has been used by SNS for rallies and entertainment events, where citizens were offered free food and drinks alongside live music.
- Part of the camp was damaged in July when a summer storm tore down several tents.
The ruling coalition at both the city and national level consists of the SNS and the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS).
