Survey on Serbia’s Anti-Government Protests

Tens of thousands of Serbians took to the streets of Belgrade in a powerful display of discontent and outrage over the government’s handling of recent mass shootings and its alleged failure to address the promotion of violence within society. The protesters, marking the one-month anniversary of the country’s first school shooting, are demanding change and calling for the resignation of key government officials.

Calls for Government Accountability

Organized by opposition parties, the protest seeks to hold President Aleksandra Vucic’s government accountable for its perceived inaction and negligence in curbing the culture of violence. Critics argue that the government has allowed violence to seep into society through media platforms that glorify criminal behavior.

Serbian reality TV shows featuring convicted criminals, including murderers, have raised serious concerns about normalizing violence.

A Month of Grief and Anger

The demonstrations follow two tragic incidents that shook the nation. On May 3, a school shooting resulted in the deaths of ten people, while the next day, a separate mass shooting claimed eight lives in a town near Belgrade. These incidents have sparked widespread grief and anger, serving as catalysts for public demands for immediate action against violence.

Government Response and Public Demands

In response to the shootings and growing public pressure, the government made the decision to start school summer holidays two weeks earlier than planned, acknowledging the need for a period of reflection and healing. However, the protesters view this as a superficial gesture and demand more comprehensive measures.

The demand put forward by the demonstrators includes the dismissal of Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic and Secret Chief Aleksandar Vulin, whom they hold responsible for the government’s failure to address violence effectively. The protesters also demand an immediate halt to all TV programs that “promote violence.”

Government Denials and Calls for Elections:

President Vucic has denied the allegations of government inaction, dismissing the protests as baseless accusations. He argues that the grievances should be addressed through an electoral process, highlighting the need for citizens to challenge the government through democratic means.

Meanwhile, Pink TV, a prominent Serbian channel, has pledged to discontinue broadcasting a reality show featuring a convicted murderer, taking a step toward rectifying the problematic portrayal of violence on television.

Real Research, an online survey app, launched a survey on Serbia’s anti-government protests to gauge public opinion on this topic. Hurry and answer the survey on Serbia’s anti-government protests on the Real Research app on June 09, 2023, and win 60 TNCs as a reward.