"Tanks, jeeps, and soldiers paraded through the Serbian capital under bright sunshine on September 20, in a massive military spectacle that some opposition figures criticized as a politicization of the armed forces. Overhead, Russian-made MiG-29s roared across the skies alongside French-produced Rafale jets, underlining Serbia's geopolitical balancing act as a country that seeks close ties with both Russia and the West. President Aleksandar Vucic described the parade as "a source of pride for Serbia." It included some 10,000 personnel and 2,600 pieces of military equipment."
"Elsewhere in the city, several hundred people staged a protest. The event came amid months of nationwide protests following the fatal collapse of part of a railway station building in the northern city of Novi Sad in November. Protesters have demanded early elections and a crackdown on corruption. In a statement student demonstrators stated that "the current government has, over the past 13 years, actively undermined the integrity, reputation, independence, and apolitical nature of our army." Police prevented the protestors getting near the parade."
A large military parade in Belgrade on September 20 featured tanks, jeeps, and roughly 10,000 personnel alongside 2,600 pieces of equipment. Russian-made MiG-29s and French Rafale jets flew overhead, highlighting Serbia's effort to balance ties with Russia and the West. President Aleksandar Vucic called the parade a source of national pride and framed it as evidence of Serbia's survival and dignity. Several hundred protesters, reacting to a deadly Novi Sad building collapse and longstanding grievances, demanded early elections and accused the government of undermining the army's apolitical nature. Police kept protesters away from the parade; minor scuffles occurred. Serbia has increased defense spending and pursued Rafale purchases while historically relying on Russian weaponry.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]