Serbian students – anti-corruption champions
Over the weekend, as well as over the past weeks, and now, Serbian students have protested government corruption in Serbia. The reason for the protests are typical of why corrupt regimes end up where they are. The government of President Aleksandar Vucic has been like other similar administrations. They are pluralist, pro-Russian, have weak legal systems with corrupt government officials. There have been many articles regarding the students’ protests. The reason for these protest were based upon a fatal train station canopy collapse, which killed 15 people on 1 November 2023, and which critics blame on government corruption.
Since December, 2023 students have come out to protest, with growing numbers, culminating on Saturday with protests at Novi Sad, where the accident occurred. At that time the world press has been covering it. The reason why these protest have been notable, is that this has brought upon some actions by the government – “Vucic's government has said it will launch an anti-corruption campaign, and has denied allegations of corruption.” This is heartening, though we all would prefer it if governments act without protesting, as many donors have supported civil society actors, through funding, and during these turbulent times its good to remind them and everyone the power of the people.
Usually, I ask what can be done, but today, I merely say pass this on and remind everyone, worldwide that the people have a voice and power. Accepting corruption or any governmental impropriety mutely is not the way forward and the Serbian students are leading the way.
Links:
https://apnews.com/article/serbia-students-protest-canopy-vucic-b6a2b732a6de562d5e54fe139114a716
https://www.barrons.com/news/thousands-join-anti-corruption-protest-in-serbian-town-017dc612