Serbia - May 2023

Two mass shootings (at a school and in several villages) that claimed the lives of 18 people  have prompted mass anti-government protests and a movement against President Aleksandar Vučić. Protesters attribute the prevalence of violence in society and the media to the political elite, citing hate speech, glorification of criminals, and the illicit circulation of guns. Prime Minister Ana Brnabić said that the events following the shootings are a result of foreign services and that there will be no “Maidan” in Serbia. Vučić has initiated an amnesty period for those who turn in their arms.  Vučić convened a rally, during which he restated that he will resign as the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) to form a supra-party movement “to be the president of all the citizens.” The new SNS leader, current Minister of Defense Miloš Vučević, said SNS will be part of Vučić’s People’s Movement for the State.

Sources: Danas (1), Danas (2), Blic, Euronews (1), Euronews (2), Euractiv,  The Guardian, Al Jazeera (1), Al Jazeera (2), Deutsche Welle, N1