Despite the government’s efforts to quash the demonstrations, they have only intensified. Protests have spread across the country with university occupations and widespread strikes taking place.
International commentary on the protests has either ignored their scale or dismissed them as mere “anti-corruption” demonstrations. While Russia and China stand by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), the United States and the European Union, known for their democracy promotion, have shown no support for the protests.
Yet, what is underway in Serbia is not solely citizens channeling discontent towards their government. Over the past few months, a new paradigm for governing institutions and society is emerging.
This is a historic development, particularly in the context of a democratic backslip across Europe and a crisis in political leadership.
Blockades and Occupations
Following the disaster, protests in Novi Sad commenced, with residents and students organizing 15-minute road blockades to honor the victims. These actions spread across the nation in a decentralized manner, with over 200 locations holding similar vigils.
On November 22, students at Belgrade University’s Faculty of Dramatic Arts were assaulted while attempting a vigil, leading to the occupation of their facilities three days later. Six major universities were eventually occupied, halting academic activities nationwide.
Students continued to mobilize, occupying key public spaces like the Student Cultural Center in Belgrade and staging protests in major cities. They marched great distances, receiving widespread public support, including from taxi drivers and resident volunteers.
The students’ demands include transparency regarding the train station’s reconstruction, legal action against the attackers, the dismissal of charges against protesters, and increased funding for higher education.
Disobedient Universities
The occupations challenge not only the academic status quo but also push beyond institutional boundaries.
Students have established self-governance through assemblies where each student can participate and all decisions are voted upon. Operating without a central leadership, they vocally distance themselves from political parties and established civil society organizations, creating a new political space.
Students have effectively created a “disobedient institution” that proclaims its political sovereignty and autonomy, formulating its own needs and defining its rules.
Leading by Example
While opposition parties and civil society groups propose an interim government as a solution, students advocate for systemic change and grassroots democratization.
In response to their call, a general strike was organized, with workers from various sectors and professional associations participating, despite pressures from the authorities.
Democracy from Below
The current state of liberal politics, which is widely distrusted, has encouraged students to imagine alternative social and political futures. Through their actions, they are contributing to the emergence of a new form of democracy that is grounded in grassroots movements.
The hope is that in their quest to reclaim and democratize state institutions, the citizens of Serbia will be guided by the principles of justice, freedom, and solidarity.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
