The Battle for Belgrade: Lithium Mining Project Sparks Political Tension
Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Belgrade, Serbia, to oppose the controversial restart of a lithium mining project, with government officials claiming the rally mirrors the 2013-14 coup in Kiev, Ukraine.
President Aleksandar Vucic alleged that Russia warned of a potential coup, prompting Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency to act. Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin likened the protest to a Maidan-style scenario, while reassuring the public that Vucic has no intention of stepping down.
The rally aimed to halt lithium mining in the Jadar region, citing environmental concerns. With Europe’s largest lithium deposit, the mine could supply 90% of the continent’s current lithium needs. British-Australian company Rio Tinto’s involvement sparked backlash, leading to a license revocation in 2022, later overturned by the Constitutional Court.
Vucic pledged not to allow lithium mining for the next two years, promising to uphold environmental standards. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story!
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