Episode 266: The Current Serbian Protests with Saša Dobrijević
Coordinated and Produced by Elisa Garbil
The student-led protests in Serbia have been going on for months. Today we have Saša Dobrijević on the podcast to discuss:
- The government response to the protests
- The current situation in Belgrade
- What the Drivers are behind the Protest
- Government Manipulation
- Media Influence
- International Influence
- International Relations
- And much more!
Saša Dobrijević is an international journalist and reporter based in Belgrade. He is a seasoned journalist with experience in Munich in Berlin and Luxembourg, with a beat across geopolitics, social movements, and the green-energy transition. He’s covered protests up close, interviewed decision-makers, and understands how narratives harden, and how they break.
Saša is a Diplomatic Press Passport holder, an award-winning journalist, an International Journalist, and a public speaking coach. He started his career as a radio host at the state radio station, trained by experienced editors and journalists who graduated from the University of Political Sciences in Belgrade. Then he moved on to researching the TV industry. Where he found out that he is passionate about video production, interviews, TV packages, and live reporting.
His international career began in Munich, mostly reporting about geopolitical and social topics, and interviewing politicians and experts in various fields. He covered environmental and climate change topics, and innovations in green energy. Gained a unique experience, through reporting from protests in Munich, Bonn, Berlin, and Luxembourg.
Finally, Saša is the Co-Founder of Pulse Theatre, Society of free artists, and of the media portal Straight to the center.
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Transcript:
Saša Dobrijević [00:00:00]
Lately, people are asking questions about what kind of Europe, European Union, and democracy layers are giving to their citizens. Are there double standards? What kind of help do we have from Russia? Or is it only trade?
Elisa Garbil [00:00:15]
Welcome back to the International Risk Podcast, where we discuss the latest world news and significant events that impact businesses and organizations worldwide.
Dominic Bowen [00:00:25]
Hi, I’m Dominic Bowen, host of the International Risk Podcast. Today, tens of thousands of people are on the streets in Belgrade, Serbia. What started as a peaceful vigil has turned into mass anti-government marches. The Serbian government is confronting a basic question of legitimacy: Are the country’s institutions serving citizens, or protecting those in power?
The government calls the protests dangerous. Protestors say the system is rigged. This standoff is politically, socially, and economically dangerous. Longer unrest increases the risk of miscalculation.
This story matters for all of Europe. The Serbian government is offering populist concessions — higher pensions, public salaries — to buy time, but not trust. Fiscal strain increases, investor confidence wobbles, and Russia continues to exploit openings.
Today, we’re joined by Saša Dobrijević, an international journalist based in Belgrade. Saša has experience reporting from Munich, Berlin, Luxembourg, and his beat covers geopolitics, social movements, and the green energy transition. He’s interviewed decision-makers and understands how narratives harden and break. Welcome, Saša.
Saša Dobrijević [00:02:00]
Thank you very much for having me.
Dominic Bowen [00:02:05]
Saša, how are things in Belgrade today? How are your family and friends?
Saša Dobrijević [00:03:00]
It’s not good. Students and citizens are still being beaten and arrested. Some friends of friends have been insulted or assaulted. This is not normal.
Dominic Bowen [00:03:30]
What’s the real driver behind the protests?
Saša Dobrijević [00:04:00]
The collapse of the “Canopy” was the trigger. Students demanded accountability. Citizens gathered around them. They organized smartly — biking between cities, walking to Belgrade — resisting government attempts to block the protests. Violence against students intensified, but the movement didn’t stop.
Dominic Bowen [00:06:00]
Estimates say close to 300,000 people have protested across Serbia. They demand the removal of President Vučić and the SNS party, early elections, criminal prosecution for the building collapse, media freedom, and anti-corruption reforms.
If early elections were called, would they be fair?
Saša Dobrijević [00:07:00]
Not at all. Serbian authorities have a history of election manipulation. EU reports highlight the need for legal oversight, but it’s still a challenge.
Dominic Bowen [00:07:30]
There’s also documented government violence, media repression, and attacks on academic freedom. Does the government have credibility left?
Saša Dobrijević [00:08:00]
No. Students offered dialogue, but the government labeled them terrorists. Friends remain in custody. Trust is gone. They just want elections. Protests continue in smaller cities as well, with teachers and professors being fired — another form of intimidation.
Dominic Bowen [00:10:00]
What role do state media and pro-government tabloids play?
Saša Dobrijević [00:10:15]
It’s Monty Python-level gaslighting. The media exaggerates or underreports protest numbers to mislead citizens. Yet, people are awakening and becoming aware of manipulation. The strategy is failing.
Dominic Bowen [00:12:00]
The government denies violence and blames unrest on foreign interference. What is Russia’s role?
Saša Dobrijević [00:12:15]
Russia’s main interest is trade. Serbia has maintained relations with Russia without sanctions. Putin focuses on economic ties, not internal politics. European oversight exists but is largely limited to statements.
Dominic Bowen [00:14:00]
Russia’s influence is multifaceted — political, economic, media, security, and social. Would you agree?
Saša Dobrijević [00:14:15]
Yes, but citizens are divided. Some follow pro-Russian narratives due to historical and cultural reasons. However, more people are questioning Serbia’s dual alignment with the EU and Russia/China. Opinions are mixed, reflecting geopolitical confusion.
Dominic Bowen [00:17:00]
Could protests escalate into broader regional instability?
Saša Dobrijević [00:18:00]
People are tired of war and violence. Serbian students are seen as rising voices for freedom. Their example inspires neighboring countries, but most citizens are exhausted and cautious.
Dominic Bowen [00:19:00]
How should European business leaders support communities to avoid inflaming conflict?
Saša Dobrijević [00:20:00]
EU should speak louder, not just issue statements. Financial support must avoid propping up corrupt governments. More dialogue and engagement with citizens is key for healthy democratic development.
Dominic Bowen [00:22:00]
How is it operating as a journalist under current conditions?
Saša Dobrijević [00:22:15]
I quit prior jobs to start an independent media portal. We work without salaries. We’ve faced cyberattacks and pressure. Requests for public information are often ignored. Yet, street protests make diplomacy and civic engagement visible — media manipulation alone cannot suppress it.
Dominic Bowen [00:25:00]
What are the long-term risks if young people lose faith in democratic institutions?
Saša Dobrijević [00:25:15]
They will remember the corruption and lack of accountability. Young people are organized, resilient, and demand responsibility. This could be a lasting civic lesson.
Dominic Bowen [00:28:00]
Globally, what international risks concern you?
Saša Dobrijević [00:28:15]
Instability and governments ignoring citizen voices. People’s collective power is significant. Diplomacy should engage directly with citizens, especially young voices, to avoid creating anger or unrest.
Dominic Bowen [00:29:00]
Excellent advice. Thank you, Saša, for sharing your insights.
Saša Dobrijević [00:29:15]
Thank you for having me.
Dominic Bowen [00:30:00]
This has been a conversation with Saša Dobrijević, an international journalist based in Belgrade. Please subscribe to the International Risk Podcast mailing list for news and analysis. Produced and coordinated by Elisa Garbil. I’m Dominic Bowen, host. Thanks for listening.
Elisa Garbil [00:30:15]
Thank you for listening. For more episodes and articles, visit internationalriskpodcast.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and Instagram for updates and to ask questions. See you next time.