In brief
Tensions rise in Serbia as tens of thousands protest, leading to increased media coverage and a rare response from the government.
In Serbia, large-scale protests have erupted, with demonstrators blocking key bridges across the Danube River in Novi Sad, putting pressure on the government led by President Aleksandar Vucic. This weekend's protests are notable, as the state-controlled media, Radio Television Serbia, has shifted from mostly ignoring the demonstrations to placing them front and center in their news reports. The governing Serbian Progressive Party has reacted strongly to this change, issuing a statement condemning the media's "scandalous reporting" and accusing it of bias in favor of those seeking to destabilize the country. Historically, media control has been a foundation of Vucic's power, enabling him to survive many protests by portraying demonstrators as threats.As student-led protests continue for a third month, citizens are rallying against the government's handling of a tragic train incident, which has become a rallying point for their demands. The shift in media attitude marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between the Serbian government and its dissenters.
