Student-Led Movement Challenges Vučić's Grip in Serbia
A student-led movement is shaking up Serbia, challenging the grip of President Aleksandar Vučić. The movement, which began as student protests, has grown into a broad social uprising, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and transcending political divisions.
The movement, seeking to transform Serbia's power structures, aims to 'decapture' society. It fosters environments where agency replaces fear and contests the legitimacy of established authoritarian institutions. Starting from student protests, it has now drawn in farmers, artists, journalists, taxi drivers, engineers, and other citizens.
The movement has called for early elections and is urging the public to support their proposed candidate lists. Despite its nonpartisan stance, it has transcended entrenched ideological divisions, uniting people from urban centers and rural areas. Inspired by the Croatian student movement, the movement has revived the use of the 'plenum' - an open, horizontally structured assembly for collective decision-making.
A new political generation has emerged in Serbia, more politically aware and engaged. The student-led movement, refusing alignment with any political party, is challenging the status quo and pushing for change. The upcoming elections in May 2025 will be a crucial test of its influence and the public's support.
