Protests in Belgrade: thousands fight against lithium reduction for electric cars

Protests in Belgrade: thousands fight against lithium reduction for electric cars

in Belgrade there are currently great protests against the planned lithium mining. The massive demonstrations not only reflect the concern about environmental issues, but also show a clear opposition to the developments that are supposed to take place in Serbian nature.

protests defend the environment

In the central square of the Serbian capital, tens of thousands of people gathered. Together, the protesters call for the government under the motto "There will be no mines". This assembly was organized by various environmental protection associations that have been drawing attention to the impending dangers of nature and the population for a long time.

blockades in the city

Some demonstrators even went so far to fill the tracks at two train stations in Belgrade in order to convey their message even more urgently. This blockade not only brings train traffic to a standstill, but also shows the determined will of the people to stand up for their demands overnight. So far the police have not intervened.

reaction of the authorities

The reaction of the Serbian Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic further fueled the situation. He qualified the actions as a serious violation of public order and announced legal steps against the protesters. According to the minister, the police estimated the number of demonstrators between 24,000 and 27,000.

environmental protection in the focus of society

The protests are not limited to Belgrade. More than 40 cities in Serbia have demonstrated against lithium funding in the past few days. The motivation behind these protests is not only environmental protection, but also a feeling of national identity. In a speech, the well -known actress Jelena Stupljanin asked the question of whether true patriotism was not in the protection of the land, air and water that are indispensable for the Serbian population.

The political dimension of the procedure

The Serbian government has already taken measures in the past to support lithium funding. On July 19, a declaration of intent was signed, which should enable environmentally friendly exploitation of the lithium face in the Jadar valley. This occurrence is considered the largest lithium field in Europe and is of central importance for the production of electric cars. The measures aim to reduce the dependence on lithium imports from China.

insight into the effects

Environmentalists warn of the profound negative consequences of lithium funding. In particular, the risk of groundwater pollution caused by heavy metals is a central concern because it could endanger the drinking water of the residents. This burgeoning environmental movement in Serbia could play an important role in the future dialogue about the protection of natural resources and the consideration of environmentally friendly practices in nationwide degradation.