For a year now, the youth of Serbia have been demonstrating perseverance, strength, and faith in a better tomorrow. They are aware of the words of Nelson Mandela: "Money will not create success, creating freedom will"Despite all the difficulties they are going through, they have not stopped. On the contrary, they have continued.
They were born in a time when politics became reality shows, and the media became a service for one truth. They grew up with messages that "it has to be that way", that "there is no point", that "it's better to keep quiet and mind your own business". However, they decided not to remain silent. Many are still silent - in fear of losing their jobs, tenders, social benefits... But if we compare how many were silent a year ago and how many are now, it is clear that there are more and more of those who have raised their voices. This shows that they are on the right, and only, path. Time will soon confirm this.
In a country where almost all media is under control, they have found their megaphone - the street, social media and an improvised poster. In a system that rewards obedience, they have chosen disobedience. In a society that swears by patriotism, but sells national interest for petty political points, they have decided to raise their voices. They love their country sincerely and do not give up, because they know that if this continues, there is no future for them. Not for them, not for their descendants, not for their families.
Their families are under pressure, losing their jobs, ignoring phone calls and anonymous messages. But when they look at their children, they know that they have preserved something more valuable than any salary - dignity. Because in a country where morality is mocked, dignity becomes an act of resistance. The choice is between dignity and humiliation, between decay and prosperity.
Serbia has long been accustomed to humiliation - to poltroons holding microphones, to tycoons plundering the state, to politics that turns the people into an audience. But these young people, these students, are not an audience. They are the stage. Their persistence exposes everything that has been tried to hide for years, that beneath the layer of propaganda there still exists a society that knows how to rebel.
That's why every citizen should be proud of them. They could have taken the easy way out and made deals with the government, because the government gives generously, if you're willing and obedient. They say there's enough for everyone, until everything is sold out and they can borrow.
They say they are naive. Possibly. But perhaps this very “naivety” is the purest form of faith that Serbia can be better. Many would give up. The young people are not. And that is the greatest danger to any regime that rests on fear and apathy. These young people also give hope to their older fellow citizens. This is the best proof that human perseverance and faith are above any form of repression, propaganda and millions of euros.
Serbia is only as strong as its youth. And this youth has shown that it has the courage to stand tall. Upright and with dignity.
The author is an economist
Bonus video:
