Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Wednesday that evening gatherings planned across the country were not organised by his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), though many of its supporters were expected to attend.
He said the rallies were “not against the blockers, but against blockades and violence,” referring to recent protests and road blockages by students and other groups.
“Those who block have no face, they hide because they have nothing to offer. Citizens feel unsafe and want a return of security and stability,” Vučić told reporters.
Commenting on reports that four judges had said they would no longer pursue protesters, Vučić said the number was higher.
“Hundreds of judges and prosecutors refuse to prosecute them. They are waiting for their moment, waiting to win and become important. But that is a political calculation,” he said.
Vučić added that state institutions would soon change their approach.
“We will start taking certain measures differently. Some will be visible, some less so at first, but the results will be clear,” he said.
He also criticised what he called a “fairy tale” about student protesters.
“When you ask them who will run the country and guarantee stability and security, they have no answer. When the blockers show their faces – and at some point they will have to – the fairy tale will end,” Vučić said.
Speaking after visiting damaged SNS premises in Belgrade’s Palilula district, Vučić said parts of the judiciary were “gambling” with unlawful conduct.
“You are entitled to take political risks, but how will you justify illegal behavior when your gamble fails?” he said. “Maybe you placed the wrong bet – we will see.”