On this day of protest, Belgrade is a powder keg, but just as important is how the president reacts – now and tomorrow | Brent Sadler

From the streets of Belgrade, the cracks in President Alexander Fozch The fist of authoritarianism near the contract On power it has become impossible to ignore it. After more than four months of students’ peaceful protests, it appears that frustration with the system has reached the point of collapse.

The country is preparing for the huge anti -government protest today, as thousands of students and citizens are preparing to gather against the Serbian administration. Many population describes the capital as “under the siege”, as the authorities implement advanced measures that critics argue that they are designed to intimidate people and prevent them from attending the demonstration.

State Railways, srbijavoz, suddenly All train services have been suspended between citiesQuoting the threats of unknown bombs as an official cause. There were also reports about the cancellation of buses between cities to Belgrade, and even rumors that agricultural and charger tractors were published on the main roads that lead to the capital. These unprecedented measures have sparked criticism, as many people claim that the government is mainly floundering Belgrade in an attempt to suppress the protest movement.

Despite these efforts, the convoys of students and supporters from all over Serbia may find alternative ways to reach Belgrade. Many groups, with the government’s tactics, which were created a few days ago or by bike, are determined to be part of what they expect to be a historic march.

Meanwhile, Western diplomats urge Serbia to ensure that the protest remains peacefully and that the safety of the participants is guaranteed, warning that any attempts to suppress the demonstrations can escalate tensions locally and internationally.

In a blatant contradiction with the calls of diplomats for calm, Vučić and his government were developing a gathering of March 15 as a powder gathering ready for the explosion. For several days, officials enjoy fateful Warning that the clashes are inevitableEven noting that the demonstrators may attack the police or try to storm Parliament violently.

This uncompromising shield was used from the government’s disturbing speech to justify a heavy response, with a strong police and preventive security measures that surround Belgrade. These measures are not only increasing tensions, but also to send a clear message to intimidation, and the demonstrators draw a threat to national stability, while strengthening the government’s narration of control.

The trigger was all this Deadly collapseLate last year, from a concrete umbrella at the main railway station that was renewed in Novey Sad, 50 miles northwest of Belgrade, which killed 15 people. The tragic accident sparked mass protests across Serbia, and it became a symbol of much deeper: a system in which corruption is established, inefficiency and political.

While the outbreaks of corruption is widely spread, it is often difficult to prove this completely, as critics refer to mysterious, political and non -transparent governmental contracts as alarming signs. However, a widespread elimination is seen as at risk, the press is under constant attack and civil society faces harassment. In this environment, the protests are no longer revolving around specific complaints – they represent a desperate invitation to a future free from the grip of the Autocrats and the Kurdis.

The unexpected explosion of students ’anger is not limited to one accident – it reflects the deep frustration of a generation that feels abandoned and betrayed from the same political elite that carries power for a long time. What we are witnessing now is an unprecedented wave of the new opposition, and has been enlarged through the creative use of social media, and linking snow through the cities and villages of Serbia.

The scope of these protests and their continuation indicates that the country is at a crossroads, with Vučić, which could not be prejudiced, which now faces a real challenge to its authority. However, despite the widespread disturbances, the West continues the controversial trial of Serbia under the banner of keeping the country on the “European Union’s path”. Perhaps for a good reason.

As far as Vučić is criticized, there is no clear or viable alternative if its leadership stumbles. The political opposition is fragmented, and it often focuses on internal fighting to present a coherent vision for the future.

However, the European Union continues to communicate with Vučić as if it was a reasonable partner, overlooking the critical issues that should make warnings. It turns largely from his close relations with Vladimir Putin, the growing Chinese economic strangulation of the Serbian infrastructure, and the fact that the Serbian energy giant NIS remains The majority owned by Russian interests Despite the supposed sanctions of the European Union.

This clear contradiction in the European Union policy raises questions about the real bloc’s commitment to its long -term values ​​and strategy in the region, especially when practical alliances appear to have precedence over the supreme example of democratic rule and geopolitical stability.

On the one hand, the behavior of the Serbian government and lock tactics progresses with an atmosphere of imminent turmoil. On the other hand, the demonstrators-who are strengthened by moral support from abroad-are fasting in their commitment to violence.

Many people in Belgrade hope to reveal today peace, and challenge the fateful predictions of violence. But given the tense accumulation, all eyes will monitor how the authorities respond and whether freedom of assembly has been supported in practice.

While it may be seen by Serbia’s relationship with Moscow as part of the efforts made to balance its historical relations Russia With the aspirations of the European Union membership and NATO, it also raises questions about the real priorities of leadership. Under the rule of Vicch, Serbia witnessed an increase in authoritarian tendencies. These procedures only deepen doubts about his priorities and long -term intentions. If history knows anything, this overlooks the Balkan often leads to unintended and long -term consequences.

• Brent Sadler is a former CNN journalist and founder of the 24 -hour CNN news channel, based in Belgrade, Serbia

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