Greece (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – It was February 2019 when, after protests in the streets of Tirana, Podgorica and Belgrade, people around the region spoke for the first time about the Balkan Spring. Tired of the prolonged terms of their Presidents, allegations of corruption, and violations of the rule of law, young people were demonstrating in the streets.
With corruption in the region at an all-time high, the hope of young people for a better future seems to be fading. In recent years, the Balkans have been a major source of migrants heading to Western Europe. However, we now see large-scale migration in all directions, including Oceania, the Middle East, and Latin America. The peoples of the Balkans maintain a strong connection with their countries of origin, reflected in their active diaspora. This is evident in the remittances sent back to countries like Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia, as well as in their political engagement, particularly in Greece and Serbia.
Obsolete infrastructure
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Belgrade to protest the deaths of 15 individuals in a railway station collapse in Novi Sad, marking the largest demonstration in Serbia’s history. While the government estimated the turnout at 107,000, independent monitors reported at least 325,000 participants.
The tragedy has intensified public outrage against President Aleksandar Vučić and his administration, with many blaming corruption and negligence for the disaster. Despite multiple resignations, Vučić has refused to step down, fuelling further protests. The collapse occurred at a station that had been renovated and reopened in 2022 under Vučić’s leadership, raising serious concerns about the quality of work and the transparency of government contracts. Student activists and demonstrators are demanding full disclosure of all documentation related to the renovation, arguing that the government has not been fully forthcoming with information.
Beyond transparency, protesters are calling for real accountability, insisting that those responsible for the collapse face legal consequences. While authorities have charged 16 individuals, including former construction minister Goran Vesić, many demonstrators believe these prosecutions are not enough and suspect they are merely symbolic gestures. The movement continues to gain momentum, as citizens demand broader reforms to combat corruption and mismanagement, which they argue have long plagued Serbia’s political system. With protests showing no signs of waning, the crisis poses a significant challenge to Vučić’s government, as public frustration over governance and safety standards reaches a breaking point.
Losing faith in the Political System
On the night of 28 February 2023, a passenger train filled with students collided head-on with a freight train near the Tempi gorge in central Greece, resulting in a devastating tragedy. A report by Greece’s Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority highlighted that critical safety failures exposed by the crash had yet to be addressed. The disaster deeply shocked the Greek public, with many accusing the conservative government of failing to properly investigate the causes of the accident. A widespread belief has emerged that high-ranking officials played a role in the negligence leading up to the crash, and that authorities have attempted to obscure their responsibility. In response, massive protests erupted across Greece, with the centre of Athens filled with people from all walks of life, many of whom were demonstrating for the first time.
Demonstrations were organized in 346 cities across Greece, including Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Patras, and Larissa, as well as in major European cities such as Brussels, Rome, and several locations in the UK. Greeks around the world have demanded justice, with many calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, who has faced increasing criticism along with key government ministers. The ruling New Democracy party has suffered a dramatic decline in public support, losing 20 percentage points in approval ratings. However, despite mounting public pressure and widespread discontent, the Prime Minister has refused to call for elections, further fuelling frustration and political unrest.
Refusal to change
The denial of the political elite in Romania and Turkey led to the rise of political polarization, extremism, and the far right. The images and news from the protests that are going around the world are terrifying. On the other hand, everyone is afraid of the political situation in Romania and the influence of Russia. The political systems of the two countries did not listen to their citizens, they became indifferent to the political life of the country and are now paying the heavy price.
In Romania, Georgescu will not participate in the elections, while Imamoglu in Turkey is accused of leading a cult organization, terrorism, and widespread corruption. Is it the most appropriate solution for the judiciary to intervene so openly in the political life of the country? Some argue that this is precisely its role in Democracy.
On the other hand, due to a failed and intrusive government policy, citizens have lost trust in both the executive and judicial branches. As a result, thousands of young people are protesting in the streets, leading us to speak of a new Balkan Spring.
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