Former Prime Minister Miloš Vučević highlighted the significant economic damage caused by the ongoing blockades in Serbia, expressing concerns about the growing unease among business owners due to uncertain future prospects. He blamed the country’s mismanagement of economic policy for fueling the widespread discontent. Vučević emphasized that January had been one of the worst months for economic results in recent years, with statements from individuals suggesting civil unrest, including the threat of road blockades, which he believes would deter both domestic and foreign investors.
Despite this, specific data regarding the economic decline remains unavailable, as the Prime Minister did not present any relevant information during the Social and Economic Council meeting. According to Nebojša Atanacković, president of the Union of Employers, the meeting lacked in-depth discussions and focused mostly on administrative issues, offering no clear resolutions for the ongoing crisis.
The root of the current unrest in Serbia can be traced to incidents in the education sector, such as the tragic collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad that resulted in the death of 15 people. Following a series of unresolved deaths and injuries, students led protests, calling for a transparent investigation and increased funding for education. These demands remain unmet, and blockades have persisted for three months, with public support spreading across different sectors.
Dragoljub Rajić, coordinator of the Business Support Network, stressed that the unrest reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the country’s economic management. He noted that the economic challenges, such as inflation, high tax burdens, corruption, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, have led to a nationwide crisis. The flight of foreign investors and the country’s reliance on subsidies have worsened Serbia’s image abroad and harmed local businesses.
Vučević’s resignation speech underlined that the current issues transcended political party lines, urging all citizens, including employees, employers, and pensioners, to recognize the severe economic consequences of the ongoing situation. Atanacković shared similar sentiments, pointing out the heightened uncertainty within the business community and the growing difficulties of planning for the future.
The lack of clarity surrounding the investigation into the Novi Sad tragedy, alongside the dissatisfaction of various sectors, leaves Serbia in a precarious position. Furthermore, the country faces a significant outflow of labor, as many students, frustrated by the lack of change, are likely to emigrate, leaving businesses with fewer workers while still shouldering their tax obligations.
Rajić also pointed out the stagnation in Serbia’s EU accession talks, criticizing the government’s failure to prioritize these negotiations. Instead, he argued that addressing the immediate economic challenges should have been the prime minister’s focus during his tenure. As the crisis continues, it remains unclear how long the country will need to wait for a resolution and the stabilizing of the economy.
