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Protests Mount Ahead of Novi Sad Rally, SPS Rifts Deepen

President Aleksandar Vučić faces significant public opposition as students and citizens in Novi Sad organize protests ahead of his planned rally, declaring him unwelcome. This comes amidst ongoing political maneuvering, including questions regarding Vučić's potential attendance at Ratko Mladić's funeral.

Internal divisions within the Socialist Party of Serbia are deepening, with two officials resigning over Branko Ružić's exclusion and Ružić himself indicating he will return his mandate. Experts are analyzing these developments, suggesting SPS leader Ivica Dačić may be sacrificing party members to align with President Vučić. Meanwhile, an economist highlighted the need for expert analysis over pre-election handouts in budget discussions, and Serbia faces an arbitration tribunal due to a lawsuit from Delez over trade margins.

Environmental concerns are escalating with reports of unauthorized drilling near the Sava River in Surčin and local residents in the Župa wine region fearing the impact of a proposed recycling center. In other news, two individuals have been arrested in connection with a murder in Surčin, and masked attackers violently disrupted a coming-of-age party in Barajevo. Media freedom is also under scrutiny following Yettel's decision to block N1 and Nova S channels for some users, a move experts deem politically motivated.

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Public Opposition Ahead of President's Novi Sad Rally

Citizens and students in Novi Sad are organizing protests and a 'welcome' demonstration against President Aleksandar Vučić, expressing their disapproval of his planned rally in the city. The controversy surrounding Vučić extends to public debate on whether he should attend the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić.

SPS Internal Strife Continues After Ružić's Exclusion

Following Branko Ružić's exclusion from the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), two officials in Kuršumlija have resigned, citing a betrayal of party ideology. Ružić himself stated his intention to return his mandate, emphasizing that ideas cannot be removed. Political analysts interpret these events as SPS leader Ivica Dačić sacrificing party members to curry favor with President Aleksandar Vučić.

Economic Policy and Trade Disputes

Economist Dejan Šoškić has called for expert analysis and anti-corruption measures instead of pre-election financial handouts during budget rebalancing discussions. Separately, Serbia is facing a lawsuit from Delez regarding trade margins, leading to the formation of an arbitration tribunal.

Growing Environmental Concerns in Surčin and Župa

Activists are raising alarms over unauthorized drilling and rebar placement near the Sava River in Surčin, close to an Expo complex and a water source. Concurrently, residents in the Župa wine-growing area are expressing strong fears that a proposed recycling center would destroy their livelihoods.

Crime Incidents and Arrests Across the Country

Two individuals have been arrested and one is sought in connection with the murder of Novica Elek in Surčin. In separate incidents, masked attackers violently assaulted a celebrant and his family at a birthday party in Barajevo, and multiple containers were set on fire in Kraljevo, with flames spreading to two cars.

Debate Over Education System and Accountability

The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU) has called for the withdrawal and rewriting of the draft law on the foundations of the education system. Concurrently, a report questions whether students can provide solutions to improve the healthcare system, and a student gathering marked the 22-month anniversary of a canopy collapse, demanding accountability for those responsible.

Media Freedom and Regulatory Body Disputes

Experts are critically analyzing Yettel's decision to block N1 and Nova S channels for some users, viewing it as a politically motivated move strategically timed before elections. Separately, Domagoj Šabić and Zdravko Ponoš reportedly clashed over the unsuccessful election of the president of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM).

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