Wednesday, March 5

Protests across Belgrade ramped up yesterday after a lull, bringing violence and unrest back to Serbia's capital city as civilians and government officials alike fight against corruption in the government.

In early November of 2024, the concrete roof of a train station in the northern town of Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people. The train station had recently undergone a major renovation, leading locals to believe that the work was made sloppy on purpose while officials pocketed the extra cash. Protests began almost instantly, with people taking to the streets with claims that the government was corrupt.

Then, in January, demonstrations in Belgrade continued, with university students leading the way. The students led large crowds of people into the middle of highways, blocking traffic for 15 minutes to honor the 15 people killed in the incident. Following the January protests, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vučević resigned from his post, but the protests continued-- they seem to be centered around targeting incumbent President Aleksandar Vučić and his government.

Now, other lawmakers have joined into the protests, with the fight escalating within Parliament. During a session on Tuesday, just as Vučić's coalition was about to approve a major decision, the opposition party began a riot inside the Parliament building.

Lawmakers got into fights with security guards while smoke bombs went off across the room, and tear gas was released into the area as well. Whistles and horns blew in a cacophony of noises as chaos erupted within the building, and protestors calmly marched past the building carrying banners and signs as usual.

Protestors have become increasingly angry over the government's denial of any sort of corruption, and Vučić has also refused to respond to pressing questions with clearer answers. A lack of evidence has also led people to believe in a corruption scandal, and the demonstrations do not seem to be coming to an end. The next major protest is scheduled to take place on March 15 in Belgrade.

Fact of the Day (Reader's Digest): Mountain goats are actually not goats at all-- they are a species of antelope. Does that make them mountain goat-antelopes or mountain antelopes, though?

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): There is more to talking than just words. (Humphrey Bogart)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Schadenfreude (adj, SHAH-dun-froy-duh) - Schadenfreude refers to a feeling of enjoyment that comes from seeing or hearing about the troubles of other people.

In a Sentence: Schadenfreude was felt by many viewers when the arrogant contestant was voted off the show.