Protests against the regime of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić are intensifying, with growing participation from the country’s youth. Sonja Biserko, head of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Belgrade, emphasized that the younger generation is rising against Vučić’s 13-year rule.
In an interview with Klan Kosova, Biserko noted that the protestors are also voicing strong opposition to what they describe as a “mafia and corrupt system” led by Vučić.
She pointed out that there was a widespread belief that young people in Serbia were politically apathetic, with most planning to complete their education and move abroad. However, the current demonstrations show a shift in attitudes.
“Most believed that young people weren’t interested in politics and were just waiting to finish their studies and leave the country. As for their views on Kosovo, they grew up within a propaganda system that shaped their perceptions,” Biserko said.
Despite the heavy influence of state propaganda, Biserko stressed that many young people, along with a significant portion of Serbian society, now recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
“It’s important to highlight that while many Serbians maintain a favorable view of Vladimir Putin and Russia, they simultaneously pursue opportunities in the West. This creates a rather schizophrenic situation. Even the youth know that Kosovo is not Serbia,” she explained, adding that far-right groups are present but do not dominate the protests.
Biserko concluded that Serbia is entering a critical phase of reckoning, noting that no country undergoes such transformation easily.
“Serbia must look in the mirror and confront the realities of the past 40 years, understanding the impact these events have had on the entire region,” she stated.
