Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced that he will bow to protesters’ demands following widespread anger over a train station disaster that claimed 15 lives. Despite previously accusing foreign powers of financing the protests, Vučić stated on Wednesday that all arrested protesters had been released and promised to pardon those convicted in the future. He also pledged to make public information about the reconstruction work at the railway station in Novi Sad.
This change in stance contrasts sharply with comments made by Vučić in a video posted on Instagram the previous day, where he defiantly accused foreign powers of trying to oust him and vowed to fight for Serbia. His government has faced criticism for corruption and negligence in the wake of the train station collapse, with opposition politicians and protesting students blaming the government for the disaster.
Critics of Vučić, who has been accused of increasing authoritarianism during his time in office, point to his handling of the protests as evidence of his reluctance to cede power. Under his leadership, Serbia has continued with its bid to join the EU while maintaining close ties with Russia and China. The passing of a bill to establish a “foreign agents” registry in Serbia has raised concerns about potential restrictions on civil society and freedom of expression. The US-based NGO Freedom House has highlighted a deterioration in political rights and civil liberties in the country in recent years.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
