Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is reportedly preparing a new strategy to address the ongoing massive student protests, according to analyst Ivana Stradner. The protests, which have intensified following U.S. sanctions on Serbia’s oil company NIS due to Russian ownership, highlight the growing challenges Vučić faces both domestically and internationally.
Stradner, writing on the platform X, claims that Vučić is in a precarious position, with deadlines he cannot meet and mounting pressure from both Moscow and Washington. She suggests that Vučić may escalate tensions in Serbia to maintain his grip on power, potentially mirroring the infamous March 9th protests of the Milošević era.
“Vučić is deeply paranoid about the protests and his prospects for staying in power. He needs to exacerbate the domestic situation to buy more time from Moscow and Washington, portraying himself as battling internal chaos,” Stradner stated.
Student and Educator Protests Intensify
The protests were triggered by the tragic collapse of a renovated railway shelter in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities and several injuries. Today, students in Belgrade blocked the Faculty of Philosophy, demanding solidarity from educators and calling for better educational conditions.
“Our fight is not against anyone but for quality education, dignified working conditions, and a shared future where knowledge and learning are valued,” the students emphasized.
Educators are set to join the protests, with demonstrations planned in front of the Ministry of Education tomorrow and a major rally on Monday at the Faculty of Philosophy. Widespread work stoppages are also expected in numerous primary and secondary schools.
International Implications
Stradner cast doubt on whether Donald Trump, as the next U.S. president, would lift sanctions on Serbia, citing his previous firm stance on Russian influence in the Balkans.
“Vučić’s close ties to Trump allies may not yield the results he hopes for, as Trump has consistently opposed Russian energy dominance in the region,” Stradner added.
The unfolding protests and international sanctions continue to test Vučić’s leadership, with his next moves likely to shape Serbia’s political trajectory in the months ahead.
