Serbian student protests adopt folk song as political symbol

A popular folk song by Dara Bubamara, ‘Polje jagoda’, has emerged as an unofficial anthem for student protesters in Serbia. The song is being used as a musical response to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vučić, who have frequently played the song ‘Ružmarin’ by the late Merima Njegomir at their rallies.

Protesters have utilized the lyric ‘Zato ne volim kad miriše ruzmarin’ (That is why I do not like the smell of rosemary) to create an ironic counter-message against the government's use of ‘Ružmarin’, a song traditionally associated with unity and weddings. The musical clash has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where clips of the song are shared alongside support for the Student List.

Dragan Brajović Braja, the songwriter of ‘Polje jagoda’, stated he does not wish to involve himself in politics but noted the song's renewed popularity. Additionally, the daughters of Merima Njegomir expressed their support for the Student List on social media, despite their mother's song being used by the ruling party.