Solidarity is key today, because democracy is increasingly weak, the lives of all citizens are at risk, especially those who are further marginalized in any way, communities are fragmented, and intergenerational and regional support is needed more than ever.
This is the message from the panel of the second edition of the SOLIDUM fest, which was organized by the Spektra Association in Njegošev Park as part of Pride Sunday, writes PR Center.
In the open space of the summer stage, radical solidarity and ways of practicing it were discussed.
Nađa Bobičić, from the Trans Balkan Network, spoke about experiences of radical solidarity in the region. She highlighted good examples of solidarity that developed within the student movement in Serbia, which, despite ideological diversity, shows examples of everyday care and mutual support: from preparing food, helping elderly citizens, to gathering and providing assistance to those who were detained.
She expressed hope that in Montenegro, where student protests have not built the expected trust, practical solidarity will be able to develop.
"Maybe it doesn't always have to be radical, let it be practical. But what is important is that we look at it from a regional perspective, to see what our neighbors are doing, and to support each other in concrete struggles," Bobičić concluded.
The representative of the Women's Rights Center, Anita Stjepčević, reminded that this organization has fostered solidarity since its founding.
"Capitalism, however, has fragmented communities to the point that solidarity has become exclusively self-interested - I am in solidarity with you only as much as I need you. When the sense of connection and the significance of work is lost, it becomes fertile ground for the development of trauma. And then comes the cloak of fascism, which offers people an instant need for connection - this time mechanical, through divisions into 'us' and 'them'," explained Stjepčević.
"We preserve values, but we are constantly thinking about where we are – left, right or in the center. In contrast, Generation Z, who for the first time have digital tools as a tool, think transnationally and show a new mobilization ability. They are, in the best sense of the word, intolerant – they have no time to wait, but react quickly and take matters into their own hands. This teaches us that democracy still beats," Stjepčević stated.
Boško Milović from the NGO Optimisti recalled a period about ten years ago, when, as he stated, a group of young people took over the then Army Center in Nikšić and organized concerts, exhibitions, and various cultural programs for half a year, reports PR Center.
"Today, 'Tehnopolis' is located on that site. We, as a young team, did something that had never been seen in Montenegro before. People came to film documentaries about all of this. At that time, there were fifty to a hundred young people ready to show solidarity, to volunteer, to work for days on end on the old facility, and even to take risks, just to prepare it for the community," said Milović.
He believes that, regardless of apathy and obstacles, communities will soon be forced to defend what is theirs.
"I am sure that soon we will have no alternative but to protect what is ours," said Milović.
Marko Vukčević, an activist with the Spektra Association, believes that the issue of solidarity is crucial in a time when, as he said, the lives of marginalized groups, but also of all citizens, are seriously threatened, and democracy is increasingly weak.
Speaking about intergenerational differences in protests and social engagement, Vukčević stressed that it is dangerous to fall into the trap of generational separation, according to the PR Center.
"Today, it is often said that Generation Z will be the generation that engages in resistance, while the older generation will not. I don't think that is true. Protests must be protests of everyone, not just one generation," Vukčević believes.
According to him, certain petty privileges that communities received led to sycophancy.
"Maybe you couldn't change the gender designation on your ID card, but you could register a partnership. Each community received something, but essentially much remained unfulfilled. Those little things gave the appearance of progress. Now that's gone. All that remains is the ever-increasing oppression, which will force us all to return to solidarity practices," Vukčević said.
The message sent from SOLIDUM is that there is no future without concrete, strong, and irrevocable solidarity and that everyone can contribute to it. Discussions like this are one way.
SOLIDUM fest is part of the project "Self-determination is the key for democracy", implemented by the Spektra Association, which is supported by the broader program "Together for LGBTIQ+ Equality", led by the Center for Civic Education in partnership with the organizations LGBT ERA, Queer Montenegro, Queer Center, Tuzla Open Center, OMSA Albania, and CSGD from Kosovo. The project is funded by the European Union.
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