Dragana Trifkovic : Between Internal Anger and Foreign Interests: Serbia's Unrest Explained

Dragana Trifkovic, General manager of the Center For Geostrategic Studies - a non-governmental and non-profit association, founded in Belgrade. The association develops and supports projects and activities aimed at the state and national interests of Serbia, has the status of a legal entity and is registered in the register in accordance with the law.

In this video Dragana Trifkovic analyzes the current situation in Serbia. 

Protests in Serbia

• The protests in Serbia do not have anti-Russian or pro-Western overtones.
• They are about internal problems that have accumulated over the years.
• The protesters support Russia, which makes an anti-Russian agenda impossible.
• Protesters continue their actions, planning events in small towns and villages in Serbia.
• The government ignores their demands, leading to a blockade of many institutions, including the University of Belgrade.
• Lawyers, medics and even secondary and elementary school students are protesting, making it difficult for the city to function.

Reasons for the protests

• The protests started because the government ignored the demands of citizens.
• The problems have been accumulating for years, starting in 2017.
• The protests were about various topics including elections, pandemic, Kosovo, and corruption.

Influence of external forces

• The Balkans are a dynamic region with multiple interests of external forces.
• Protests can be used to destabilize the situation.
• The example of the 2000 color revolution shows that discontent can last for decades.

External intervention

• External forces can use the situation to their advantage.
• It is important to monitor the foreign policy environment and evaluate every move.
• The level of discontent in Serbia cannot calm down and the situation requires constant monitoring.

Kosovo and provocations

• Kosovo illegally declared independence in 2008.
• Provocations on the territory of Kosovo Metohi continue.
• External forces such as the U.S. and Turkey exert considerable influence.

The fate of Gazprom's assets

• Russia has the right to protect its interests in Serbia.
• US sanctions against Gazprom are causing problems.
• The U.S. seeks to ban European markets from Russian energy resources.

The future of the protests

• The protests in Serbia remain tense.
• The atmosphere in the country resembles war zones.
• It is difficult to predict how long the protests will continue and whether the authorities will find a compromise with the protesters.

Political situation

• The city is under siege almost every day.
• The government plans to form a new government by April 8, otherwise there will be new elections on June 1 or June 8.
• Elections will not solve the political problem because the conditions for elections are not in good condition.

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Watch the video