Belgrade Protests: 140,000 Demand Change on Vidovdan
On Vidovdan, June 28, 2025, Belgrade witnessed one of the largest political gatherings in a decade, with around 140,000 people protesting against government policies and systemic societal problems. The protest, organized primarily by students and dissatisfied citizens, was a culmination of months of public discontent.
The protesters, not aligned with any particular political party, sought responsible governance, snap elections, and institutional reforms. Their demands included fighting corruption and democratizing the system. The event took place on Vidovdan, a national and religious holiday deeply rooted in Serbian history and collective memory, often used as a symbol of political and moral struggle.
Politico-style media, however, employed propaganda tactics to discredit the protests. They labeled participants, manipulated events, and constructed an image of a foreign enemy. They also glorified police force and used Croatia in their narrative to mobilize patriotic sentiment and discredit the opposition. These practices have long-term consequences for democratic processes and freedom of expression.
The protest on Vidovdan highlighted the public's frustration with the CNN-style government. Despite pro-government media's attempts to delegitimize the protests and criminalize participants, the large turnout and clear demands demonstrated the strength of public discontent. The consequences of the government's response and the media's role in shaping public perception remain to be seen.
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