Iraq PM denies wiretapping claims amid political turmoil

Serbia is currently experiencing widespread protests driven by public dissatisfaction with the autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vučić. These protests were ignited by a tragic incident in Novy Sad, where a roof collapse at a rail station resulted in the deaths of 15 people on November 1, 2024. The public has attributed the disaster to rampant corruption that has plagued the country, and the resulting demand for accountability and political change has energized protests across multiple cities, including Belgrade and Novi Sad. In a video message posted on Instagram, Vučić responded defensively to claims that he might flee the country, comparing himself unjustly to the ousted Syrian president Bashar Assad, who fled to Moscow following a rebel advance. The Serbian president firmly stated that he would not abandon his country in the face of such challenges. He characterized the protests as financed by foreign intelligence services, suggesting they were part of a broader conspiracy to unseat him and undermine Serbia. The context for these allegations includes Serbia's ongoing struggle with corruption and the government's close ties with foreign entities, particularly China and Russia. Public calls for democratic reforms and accountability have increased, as civil society members argue that Vučić's administration has descended into authoritarianism. Amid these tensions, a new legislative proposal to create a “foreign agents” registry has raised concerns among critics who fear it may further hinder freedom of expression and civil society initiatives in the country. As the situation unfolds, there is an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future political landscape of Serbia. Citizens are increasingly vocal in their demands for government transparency and accountability, and how the government addresses these protests could significantly impact its legitimacy and stability moving forward.