Political science professor Dušan Spasojević has expressed concern over what he described as the lack of sufficient public resistance to repressive policies and anti-European legislation introduced by Serbian authorities.
Speaking to N1, Spasojević said he is worried both as a citizen of Serbia and a member of the academic community, stressing that the government appears increasingly encouraged by what he perceives as limited public opposition.
According to him, the authorities are actively working to weaken mechanisms available to citizens and students to challenge government policies. He highlighted changes to judicial laws, as well as pressure on media institutions and universities, as part of a broader strategy.
Spasojević argued that these actions aim to undermine the foundations of civic resistance, suggesting the government wants to reduce the organizational capacity of opposition groups compared to the protests seen in November 2024.
He also suggested that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić may be shifting toward a more confrontational political strategy, particularly toward Western partners. Spasojević described this approach as potentially harmful both for Serbia and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
The professor noted that Serbia’s leadership has traditionally been viewed as balancing between different geopolitical options. However, he claimed that the recently proposed laws appear to be directly contradicting expectations from Brussels, signaling what he sees as a possible change in political tactics.
Spasojević further stated that current developments suggest the government might be considering a return to more nationalist political frameworks, emphasizing that the adoption of controversial legislation sends what he described as a serious political signal.
He pointed out that some segments of the public expected Vučić to block the legislation, interpreting the situation as a potential political maneuver within the ruling coalition. However, the approval of the laws, according to Spasojević, indicated a different and more significant direction.
Regarding reactions from the European Union, Spasojević described them as diplomatic but clearly critical, arguing that the adoption of such laws represents more than routine political balancing between Serbia and the EU.
Addressing the broader political climate, Spasojević stated that while institutional tensions may have slightly decreased, the student movement has gradually evolved into a politically organized electoral force. He added that recent student protests should be viewed as part of an extended election campaign rather than purely civic demonstrations.
He emphasized that gatherings of approximately 15,000 protesters in Belgrade should be considered significant within the Serbian political context, cautioning against comparisons with peak protest periods such as March 15, when institutional tensions were at their highest.
Spasojević also commented on legal proceedings involving Nikola Selaković, expressing skepticism about the possibility of a final conviction involving individuals closely connected to the ruling leadership.
