Serbian Protests vs North American Protests: A Stark Contrast in Civility and Perception

On March 17, Serbia witnessed one of the largest protests in its history. More than a million people gathered peacefully in downtown Belgrade to protest government corruption and infrastructure issues, notably surrounding the Novi Sad train station project. Despite the size and political tension, the event remained overwhelmingly non-violent.

Self-Governed, Self-Cleaned: Serbian Protest Culture

Serbia’s protest culture is something uniquely admirable. After hours of marching and chanting, demonstrators stayed back to clean the streets—collecting trash, restoring order, and leaving public spaces better than they found them. There were no reports of looting, arson, or significant property damage.

In short: order and discipline in the face of dissent.

The George Floyd Protests

Between 2020 and 2023, the United States saw the largest civil rights protests in its history following the murder of George Floyd. While the underlying message of the movement resonated with millions, the execution often spiraled into violence. Cities across the country reported arson, looting, and clashes with police. The damage? Billions of dollars in property loss, emotional trauma, and social division.

The Capitol Riots & Kenosha Unrest

In January 2021, the world watched in disbelief as rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results. In Kenosha, Wisconsin, 2020 protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in deaths and tens of millions in damages.

Canada’s Freedom Convoy and Beyond

In 2022, Canada experienced its own wave of unrest with the Freedom Convoy protests. Initially peaceful, the movement escalated into a national disruption. The government responded by invoking the Emergencies Act, freezing bank accounts and arresting individuals without due process—measures later deemed unlawful. Other protests in Canada, from anti-logging actions in British Columbia to recent pro-Palestinian and religious clashes in Ontario, have frequently turned violent.

Just days before Serbia's peaceful protest, U.S. and Canadian embassies issued travel advisories painting a dire picture. They warned of crowd violence, disruptions to essential services, and recommended sheltering in place. Yet when cities in their own countries burned, no such international warnings were issued. No alerts advised travelers to avoid Minneapolis, Ottawa, or Washington D.C.

This bias reveals more about geopolitical branding than actual safety concerns. It paints Serbia as unstable while ignoring or downplaying the unrest at home.

Unlike many countries forced into political alignment, Serbia maintains a neutral stance—neither East nor West. And while no nation is free from corruption, Serbia offers something increasingly rare: a population that polices itself. Protesters in Serbia value order, respect public space, and prioritize the message over mayhem. Violent crime remains lower than in many major North American cities.

If you're considering relocation, you need facts, not fear. The reality on the ground in Serbia defies the headlines. Protests here are a civic expression, not a threat to safety. For investors and families looking for stability, lower crime, and a culture of community responsibility, Serbia offers a compelling case.

If you're thinking of relocating to Serbia, don't let outdated narratives or biased warnings stop you. At Relocation Serbia, we offer first-hand experience, expert guidance, and personalized relocation support.

📩 Get a consultation today and learn how we can assist you with residency, business setup, and real estate investments in Serbia.

🚀 Visit us at RelocationSerbia.com to learn more!