For over 30 years a Ferrari flag has been a frequent presence in protests against the government in Serbia.
At first glance, Ferrari, the iconic Italian brand of luxury cars, may have nothing to do with Serbia, a nation of the unnatural Balkans, often shaken by political conflicts.
But, for almost 30 yearsone of its flags – yellow coat, black stallion, red background and black and white details – has been a surprising element in the Serbian demonstrations.
When hundreds of thousands of people crowded the streets of the capital Belgrade last month, in a major protest, requiring the government to take responsibility for the collapse of a railway coverage that killed 16 people, the famous Red Flag once again shivered challenging in the wind.
“Whenever we protested against injustice, she is there,” says Igor Balmazovic, 54, owner of the flag, in an interview with BBC News Serbian.
“I never thought we would need her again,” he says. “It’s devastating. We fight against the same injustices, against the same people for decades. ”
Os Protests in Serbia have been intense And Aleksandar Vucic has faced the biggest political crisis since reaching power in 2012, acting first as Prime Minister and later as president.
A symbol is born
The History of the Ferrari Flag in Serbia It starts in winter 1996during protests against then -President Slobodan Milosevic.
His refusal to recognize opposition victories in local elections triggered daily demonstrations throughout Serbia.
Igor Balmazovic, Formula 1 fan, decided take your Ferrari flag For marches – not only as a meeting point for friends, but also as “a symbol of power and perseverance.”
“We thought it would help to find ours,” he recalls, but says he soon gained more prominence.
“It was there in the snow, in the rain, even when the police beat us. People saw it every day and it gave them hope. ‘These protesters won’t give up, so we don’t,’ they thought. ”
Finally, Milosevic gave in to the pressure and accepted the results of the elections. Over time, the history of the Ferrari flag has become legendary, with many stories and myths around it.
One of the rumors said Ferrari rewarded Igor Balmazovic with a car.
“It’s true,” he says with a smile. “A toy cart!”
This happened after an Italian television channel went to Serbia in 1997 and aired a report on the protest flag.
“A Ferrari sent giftS – Books, caps, two toy strollers and a letter from the company manager to say that I would like to know me. But we never know each other. ”
A country in protest
In the following decades, the Ferrari flag appeared in all main protests In Serbia – from the 2000 uprising that toppled Milosevic to the latest demonstrations against President Vucic.
The Serbian Vucic Progressive Party won more than 47% of parliamentary votes in 2023 and won the local elections the following year, consolidating power. Although it claims to support Serbia’s path to joining the EU, critics accuse you of authoritarianismcorroding democratic institutions and to foster corruption.
After collapse of the ceiling of the Novo Sad Railway Station, some authorities were arrested, including a Former Construction Ministerbut many consider the response inadequate.
Vucic denies any irregularity, classifying protests as an attempt to destabilize the government and accusing foreign powers of interference.
But protesters remain relentless. Students have the support of a broad coalition of actors, lawyers, university professors and farmers.
According to a research from the Research, Transparency and Accountability Center, an independent monotorization group, 61% of Serbian citizens support the protests.
A Flag for the Future
Once again, Ferrari’s flag is back on the streets and, for many, seeing it brings emotions back.
“When my wife and I recently showed it up, people came to us and took pictures. A man He even asked if he could kiss her“, Diz Balmazovic.
“Some ask If it’s the original flag. I say, ‘come closer, see the holes, as it is worn by the wind.’
Younger protesters, born long after the first appearance of the flag, embraced it. Some carry replicas.
Balmazovic doesn’t care. “They are keep the spirit alive“, it says.
Now the torch is being literally passed. In April, a group of students started a 1300 km bicycle journey to Strasbourg, headquarters of the European Parliament, to International attention for the crisis in Serbia. Among them is Nikola Boca, 21, godson of Balmazovic.
“When the protests began, I was fascinated by the history of the flag,” says Boca, during a rest stop. “My father said my godfather had the original.”
To carry the flag in the backpack, Boca sees it as a symbol of continuity and determination. “Some people are skeptical, but I tell them: this is the [original]”, it says.
Waiting for retirement
Balmazovic does not know when the flag can finally rest. He expects this time to arrive soon.
“The most important thing is that the students agreed“He says.“ They left behind the mobile phone screens and the covers of the books and noticed their strength. It’s amazing. ”
He dreams of the day when the real change will happen, starting with justice to the victims in Novi SAD, followed by the restoration of the rule of law.
“When this happens, I will hang the flag on the wall And I will say it’s over, ”he says to BBC News Serbia.
For now, however, the prancing horse still gallops through the streets of Belgrade and the student protests that shake Serbia everywhere.
