After Užice violence, Vučić heads to Novi Sad as tensions rise

Novi Sad is preparing for competing demonstrations after violence broke out at a Serbian Progressive Party gathering in Užice linked to President Aleksandar Vučić’s visit.

The party has announced a rally in Novi Sad on Friday. Civic assemblies in the city have responded by saying Vučić is not welcome and calling on people from across Serbia to join protest gatherings. They have been organizing for around 10 days, according to the report.

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The situation is quite charged in Novi Sad. The civic assemblies are calling for people from the rest of the country to come to Novi Sad, so a considerable number of people who oppose the visit is expected.

The planned visit comes as the 22-month anniversary of the canopy collapse approaches. Vučić has announced visits to Novi Sad several times. On one previous occasion, he arrived without notice, and media outlets learned of his presence after seeing a photograph of him eating an “indeks” sandwich.

Danas journalist Aleksandar Latas said the situation in Novi Sad was highly charged. “A considerable number of people who oppose the visit is expected,” he said, while describing Serbian Progressive Party rallies as tightly controlled events. Latas also alleged that public-sector workers or people in vulnerable social situations were brought to such gatherings for daily payments, and referred to groups attacking citizens they disagreed with. He said a large police presence would likely focus on citizens during Friday’s events.

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We know what Serbian Progressive Party rallies look like: tightly controlled events.