The situation is a cause for concern because “there are no signs of dialogue initiatives on the part of those involved” and secondly, there has been an “unjustified use of violence by masked men wearing police or police-like uniforms.” “The situation is deteriorating rapidly.” Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, Archbishop of Belgrade and President of the International Episcopal Conference of Saints Cyril and Methodius, expressed these concerns to SIR when asked to describe the situation in his country, particularly the reasons that drove thousands of young people to take to the streets of the capital demanding early elections. A huge anti-government demonstration organised by the student movement escalated into violence and clashes with riot police.
Your Eminence, why did young people take to the streets? What are they asking for?
On 1 November 2024, a terrible tragedy occurred in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city. Sixteen people were killed in the collapse of the concrete canopy of the railway station. The accident was immediately blamed on widespread corruption in Serbian society. The station had been undergoing renovation work for almost three years and on 2 July 2024, it reopened to regular transport services. Tragically, the collapse occurred only four months later. Numerous irregularities in the construction work and the renovation project documentation soon came to light. Young people called for an independent investigation into the accident and for those responsible to be punished. However, after eight months of protests, no concrete action has been taken.
Are you worried about the potential consequences of these protests?
I am indeed very concerned, given that the student protests ended on 28 June and the students have announced a period of civil disobedience across the country. This initiative has attracted a diverse group of participants, including non-students, and the subsequent outcomes are now becoming evident in towns and villages across Serbia.
What worries me most is the lack of dialogue between the different groups.
Furthermore, there have been reports of unjustified acts of violence committed by masked men in police uniforms or similar attire. The situation is deteriorating rapidly.
There have been clashes, arrests and even casualties. What are the requests of the Catholic Church in the country to both the young protesters and the government?
A few months ago, I appealed to all parties to embrace a culture of dialogue and refrain from violence, particularly state violence. I urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the events in Novi Sad and to bring those responsible for the death of 16 innocent people to justice. This matter has not been dealt with in any meaningful way by the government, unfortunately. We have prayed for peace in our churches, and we will continue to do so.
Peace and justice. What does Serbia need to build a present and future based on peace and justice?
It needs respect for all Serbian citizens and respect for the country’s democratic order, in which the roles and functions of the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government are clearly defined. Unfortunately, none of this exists in Serbia today.
To initiate a genuine process of social reconciliation in Serbia, a change of heart is needed from all those involved, but most of all from those who have the power and responsibility to decide the fate of the whole nation.
Europe is plagued by wars, new fears, xenophobia and isolationism. On 28 June, members of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) were received in audience by Pope Leo XIV. What did he say to you?
The audience was a wonderful meeting with our Pope. Indeed, before being elected Pope, Cardinal Prevost’s previous role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops provided him with valuable familiarity with the CCEE’s activities and mission. We discussed the situation in Europe, the challenges facing evangelisation, and the positive aspects of our times. I felt it was important to emphasise that Europe is not a continent in decline. While some parts of Europe, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, are showing worrying signs, and religion is being used as a “weapon of just war”, Europe is also a continent where faith is thriving, particularly in countries with Orthodox majorities and in post-Communist countries. This heritage of faith must be respected and valued as a resource for evangelising the entire continent.Today, thanks to high levels of mobility, large numbers of people travel within Europe. This includes Christians from other continents, as well as European Christians who move to other countries within Europe. They breathe new life into Christian communities which, in some regions, appear to be in decline or facing a crisis of faith.
The post Street protests. Cardinal Nemet (Belgrade): “Serbia is facing growing violence amid the absence of dialogue and justice” first appeared on AgenSIR.I firmly believe that Europe still has much to offer the Catholic Church in the world.