EditSerbia’s protests surge forward: nationwide citizen uprising continues unabated
In scathing interview, former President Boris Tadić warns that the regime has abolished the constitutional order and lost legitimacy
Mass protests and road blockades entered their seventh day across Serbia, with demonstrators gathering in multiple cities to express anger over arrests, repression, and what they describe as the collapse of democratic institutions.
From Belgrade to Užice, and from Novi Sad to Vranje, citizens continue to rally, erect barricades, and stage symbolic actions. In Zemun, protesters blocked streets with rubble, old furniture, and signs referring to the Jarinje border crossing – turning the blockade into a potent symbol of resistance.
In the capital, a solidarity rally is being held in front of the Central Prison in support of anesthesiologist Vladimir Stefanović, detained during the massive Vidovdan protest while providing medical assistance. Healthcare workers announced the gathering under the banner of professional and civic duty.
Meanwhile, Novi Sad witnessed a bike and motorbike-assisted blockade near Futoška market. In Kikinda and Niš, as well as in the town of Bor, protests are planned for later in the evening. On the beach in Sremska Mitrovica, demonstrators used whistles and a boat sign reading “Enough with the lies” to voice their dissent.
The police issued threats to break up blockades in places like Užice, but protesters responded by walking repeatedly over pedestrian crossings – legally stalling traffic and frustrating attempts at dispersal. In Vojvodina, two zebras were painted in front of the provincial archives as a satirical response to a recent call by an official to “ban crosswalks” in order to punish traffic obstruction.
The nationwide discontent has been further inflamed by the arrest of three demonstrators in Čačak for allegedly assaulting police officers during earlier protests in front of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party’s (SNS) local office.
Amid the continuing unrest, former Serbian President Boris Tadić gave a scathing interview, describing the current government as illegitimate and disconnected from constitutional norms. Speaking to Danas, Tadić claimed that President Aleksandar Vučić has dismantled the political system and forced citizens into the streets by eroding institutional avenues of dissent.
“Serbia is facing a specific situation in which the government has already abolished the constitutional order, and citizens have effectively declared a state of emergency,” Tadić said. He added that whether Vučić officially declares one is irrelevant at this point: “When power loses legitimacy and systematically destroys constitutional life, it no longer exists in real terms.”
Tadić also dismissed the government’s expressions of surprise over the protests, arguing that the regime itself created the conditions for mass civil disobedience: “It is hypocritical for officials to act shocked by the blockades when they themselves have blocked normal life for 13 years.”
Warning that the regime is resorting to repressive and irrational tactics, the former president described Vučić’s behavior as “marked by fear and a loss of control – classic for any collapsing autocrat.” He said Vučić swings daily between threats and emotional appeals, a sign of deepening panic within the leadership.
“The only way out of this crisis is elections,” Tadić declared. “The regime’s fear of elections is obvious – where they once rushed to call them at every opportunity, they now avoid them, even at the local level. That is a direct admission of political defeat.”
While Tadić acknowledged that the current moment doesn’t yet resemble the revolutionary atmosphere of 5 October 2000 (against Slobodan Milošević, under whom Vučić served as minister for propaganda) he argued that each democratic uprising has its own path. The key now, he said, is unifying students, citizens, and the opposition into a clear political front with enough legitimacy to trigger systemic change – perhaps even leading police to switch sides.
He also stressed that the recent police violence against protesters could not be attributed to Interior Minister Ivica Dačić, suggesting that direct orders are coming from Vučić himself.
Commenting on Serbia’s foreign alliances, Tadić stated that the regime can no longer count on unconditional support from Moscow. Russia, he claimed, is now watching Vučić “with pragmatic caution,” using him only as long as it suits its geopolitical interests.
As demonstrations continue and tensions escalate, the message from the streets appears unified: Serbia’s citizens are demanding change – and this time, they may not wait for the government’s permission to bring it.
Djokovic subtly censored after gesture of protest
The government in Belgrade also appears to be tightening control over national broadcasters, as Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic became the target of subtle censorship following a symbolic protest gesture. On 5 July, after defeating compatriot Miomir Kecmanović at Wimbledon, Djokovic celebrated with his daughter by mimicking a pumping motion associated with the slogan “Pumpaj” – a rallying cry of the ongoing anti-government protests. The word, difficult to translate directly, loosely means “Pump up!” or “Keep going!” and has become a viral symbol of defiance.
Djokovic’s gesture and accompanying words were cut from the live broadcast on Serbia’s Arena Sport channel, while the public broadcaster RTS abruptly ended its coverage. Though the moment was shared on the official Wimbledon X (formerly Twitter) account, it never reached domestic Serbian audiences. In recent months, the world-famous athlete has publicly expressed support for the protest movement, adding to the regime’s discomfort.
Novak Djokovic’s move to Greece signals new chapter amid tensions with Serbian leadership
Caption: Riot police officers prepare to disperse a blockade organized by students and anti-government demonstrators in Belgrade, Serbia, 04 July 2025. University students and anti-government demonstrators are demanding snap elections and release of detained protesters. EPA/ANDREJ CUKIC
Updated: July 7, 2025 - 04:38
