9 April 2025 The participants of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Spring Session (photo©PACE)

9 April 2025 The participants of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Spring Session (photo©PACE)

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

PACE Spring Session Debate on Session Protests and Rallies in the Western Balkans and Central Europe

The Serbian delegation participated in the debate "Protests and Rallies in the Western Balkans and Central Europe", opened by George Papandreou.


The debate featured 28 speakers. The members of the Serbian delegation took the opportunity to present their views on the causes and consequences of the protests in Serbia, reflecting on the socio-political context in which the events are unfolding, as well as the way domestic institutions are responding to the challenges posed by the protests.

The Head of the Serbian delegation to PACE Biljana Pantic Pilja said that it is time to hear the voice of the majority, not the noise of the minority. Referring to the tragic event in Novi Sad, which was the reason for the start of the protests, she pointed out that these protests have grown into an instrument of the opposition for a violent change of government, and not a mechanism for dialogue. She particularly emphasized that Serbia is the only country in which force was not used against demonstrators during the protests, which was not the case in other European countries. She pointed to the increasing aggression that accompanies the protests - physical attacks on journalists, government representatives and citizens who do not want to participate in the protests, as well as blockades of schools, faculties and institutions. Although, as she said, all the students' demands have been met, the blockades continue, because the goal is no longer dialogue, but the overthrow of the legally elected government on the streets. She particularly appealed for respect for the rights of the majority: "It is okay to have your own opinion, but it is not okay to deny others the right to work, education or movement." Pantic Pilja concluded that she is proud that Serbia, by following the policies of President Aleksandar Vucic, is showing how to respond to challenges democratically, without the use of force and violence. "Finally, I have a message for the citizens of Serbia. When the speeches of the opposition are the same as those of representatives from Croatia, Albania and the so-called "Kosovo", it is clear whose interests they represent," concluded Pantic Pilja.

Aleksandar Mirkovic assessed that the protests in Serbia are no longer an expression of dissatisfaction, but a political performance aimed at a violent change of government. He particularly emphasized that Serbia, unlike other countries, has shown how peace and stability can be preserved without repression. He denied the opposition's claims about the use of a "sonic cannon" during the protests, emphasizing that no evidence was offered for this. He warned of serious cases of pressure and violence - the blocking of schools, the persecution of citizens via social networks, raids on institutions, as well as violence in the National Assembly itself. He particularly pointed to the injury of three female MPs, including a pregnant woman, as well as the attempt to bring a taser and a knife into the parliament. Mirkovic said that the only legitimate way to change government is through elections. He concluded by saying that "the colour revolution was defeated, and Serbia won again."

Dunja Simonovic Bratic assessed that the protests in Serbia did not have a clear political articulation, because the students rejected the attempts of politicians to represent them. She pointed out that the demands had become vague and constantly changed, and that the symbolic date of 15 March was used as an attempt to change the government outside of elections. After the failure, the story of the "sonic cannon" appeared, which, as she said, had no basis in reality. She recalled that the Government of Serbia resigned, taking responsibility, while the institutions acted in accordance with the law. She concluded that society needs dialogue, returning children to school and a process of social healing.

Elvira Kovacs pointed out that the tragic event in Novi Sad was used as a pretext for radicalization, including the blockade of institutions and universities. She stated that many students were deprived of their right to education, as lectures and exams were suspended indefinitely. She emphasized that the right to protest must exist in accordance with the rule of law and cannot be defended by violating the rights of others. She assessed that the inaction of academic institutions led to the systematic denial of education to the majority of students. She appealed for the restoration of academic normality and respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens.

Vladimir Djordjevic recalled the tragedy in Novi Sad, in which, according to him, sixteen people died due to corruption. As he stated, that event became a symbol of a system based on lies, fear and abuses, but also a turning point that encouraged citizens to stand up in the fight for justice. He pointed out that the citizens of Serbia, with the support of the opposition, have been protesting for five months, seeking justice. He particularly emphasized the symbolic value of the large rally on 15 March and the youth cycling to Strasbourg, as a message that they cannot find justice in Serbia. He assessed that they are not seeking power or privileges, but justice and truth. He called on Europe to stand clearly and loudly with the young people who are fighting for a democratic Serbia. He concluded with the message that Kosovo is a part of Serbia and will remain so, in response to the speech of the representative from Kosovo-Metohija.

Djordje Stankovic emphasized that the protests in Serbia represent the voice of young and intelligent citizens, who reject, as he stated, “the corrupt and manipulative regime of Aleksandar Vucic”. He stated that more than 300,000 people took to the streets on 15 March, sending a clear message about the loss of legitimacy of the government and the need for fair and free elections. He condemned, as he said, the violence against the demonstrators and called on Europe to support young people who are seeking change. He underlined that Serbia deserves to be part of Europe only if Europe remains consistent with its own values. He assessed that the struggle of the youth is not only political, but also a struggle for a dignified life in a modern and civilized society.

Jelena Milosevic stated that the tragedy in Novi Sad, which she said was the result of deep-rooted corruption, was followed by mass protests, but also by increasing repression by the authorities, including violence against students and abuse of force during demonstrations. She stated that even after the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Government, the violence continued, and no one was held accountable. According to her, critics of the regime are still the target of persecution, while citizens are being arrested for peaceful protest. Milosevic assessed that the authorities have lost legitimacy and said that the only way out is to form a transitional government that will enable fair elections. Finally, she expressed her support for the students who, as she said, are walking and cycling across Serbia and Europe as a sign of protest and hope.


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