December 09, 2021

Serbian activists win battle against anti-environmental laws

topic:	Freedom of Expression
located:	Serbia
editor:	Katarina Panić

The authorities in Serbia stepped down after thousands of people took to the streets over the past two weekends, blocking main roads and highways all over the country. The civic-activism movement Kreni-promeni (Move-Change) incited the demonstrations against two laws they believe favour private companies at the expense of public interest, especially the protection of the environment. The activists feel the laws are on the table to please the multinational Rio Tinto, which intends to construct Europe's largest lithium mine in western Serbia.   

The National Assembly adopted the Law on Referendums and People's Initiative on 25 November and the amendments to the Law on Expropriation the next day. In response, hundreds of people blocked several major roads in the country. They announced the decision to continue the protest as long as necessary to force the government to withdraw the disputed laws.

While the pro-government media reported that several people blocked the roads and therefore "harassed the thousands of citizens who had to walk instead of drive," social networks portrayed a different side by uploading pictures showing a much different reality. The environmentalists announced that the next protest, which was planned for 11 December, would block the main roads and bridges for at least three hours instead of two hours like two previous weekends.

It seems conservative President Aleksandar Vucic thought twice and realised the media he controls would not help him. He also understood the protests were not only anti-mining but anti-government and against his ruling Serbian Progressive Party. Therefore, he addressed the nation last evening and withdrew the laws. Both will now be filtered through broad public debate that will include experts, professional associations, business representatives and civil society, the government stated in its press release yesterday.

"VICTORY!" Savo Manojlovic from the Kreni-promeni movement exclaimed last night. " 1. The law on Expropriation withdrawn. 2. Amendments to the Law on Referendum are underway. If everything is formally legal by Friday - a celebration will be on Republic Square. If they don't finish - see you at Gazela [bridge in Belgrade]." 

It looks like environmental issues could finally reach a top priority in Serbia’s upcoming general elections next Spring.

Photo by Sasan Rashtipour

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