On the Verge of Clashes

BETAPHOTO/AMIR HAMZAGIC/DS

The roadblocks organized in several Serbian cities and towns on Nov. 27, various protests over the last few days and the incendiary rhetoric of government officials, but also of some opposition politicians, have resulted in further polarizing of the Serbian society and increased the chances of civil clashes in the coming weeks. The authorities are not showing any readiness to back down in the face of the environmental demonstrators’ demands, while its various opponents will probably ramp up pressure. That situation, four months before elections, generally suits both sides.