Student protests in Serbia are a complex phenomenon, often characterized by a mix of genuine student grievances and political maneuvering. Determining whether these protests are entirely autonomous, or if they are influenced by political parties, requires a careful examination of various factors, including the stated goals of the protesters, the political context, and the actions of different political actors.

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The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), the ruling party, has frequently accused student protesters of being linked to opposition parties. This is a common tactic used by governments to discredit protests and undermine their legitimacy. By portraying the protests as being orchestrated by political opponents, the SNS aims to frame the protesters as pawns in a political game rather than as individuals with legitimate concerns.[1] This narrative can be effective in swaying public opinion and reducing support for the protests.

At the same time, opposition parties may attempt to capitalize on student protests to advance their own political agendas. This can involve offering support, providing resources, or attempting to shape the narrative of the protests to align with their own political goals. This does not necessarily mean that the protests are entirely controlled by the opposition, but it does suggest that the opposition sees an opportunity to gain political advantage from the protests. The extent to which opposition parties are genuinely supporting the students' cause, or merely using the protests for their own benefit, is a matter of debate and depends on the specific actions and motivations of the parties involved.[2]

The reality is likely a combination of both factors. Student protests often arise from genuine grievances, such as concerns about education quality, corruption, or political freedoms. However, the political context in Serbia, with its history of political polarization, makes it almost inevitable that political actors will try to influence and exploit these protests. It is difficult to definitively say whether the protests are "independent" or "controlled" by any single entity. Instead, it is more accurate to view them as a dynamic interplay between student activism, political opportunism, and the broader political landscape. The level of autonomy of the protests can vary over time and depend on the specific issues at stake, the leadership of the protest movement, and the actions of the various political actors involved.

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