Mass Protests in Serbia Against Lithium Mining Revived Amid Political Tensions

Tens of thousands rallied in Serbia against lithium mining, accusing the government of a coup plot. Protesters, stressing ecological concerns, opposed a revived mining plan scrapped in 2022. Government officials touted economic benefits but faced strong resistance. The situation highlights Serbia's EU aspirations and close ties with Russia and China.

Tens of thousands gathered in Serbia's capital on Saturday to protest against lithium mining, defying government warnings of a coup plot against President Aleksandar Vucic. Claiming ecological, not political motives, demonstrators voiced opposition to the government's revived mining plan, fearing long-term environmental damage.

President Vucic, citing alerts from Russian intelligence, claimed Western powers were behind a plot to spur mass unrest. Despite such assertions, protestors focused on environmental concerns, chanting "There Will Be No Mining" and "Treason, Treason." This follows the government's recent EU deal on critical raw materials, aiming to reduce China's lithium imports.

While the government promotes the mine as an economic boon, critics worry about pollution. Mining Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic assured of high environmental standards and a future value chain in battery and EV production. Nonetheless, strong local opposition persists, posing challenges to Vucic's administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)