The main article analyzes the role of student activism in Serbia as a driver of new energy in the country’s political and social life. Filip Balunović emphasizes that students do not accept the legacy of previous generations but seek new directions for social change, embracing diversity and promoting humanity, solidarity, and courage. Youth activism is seen as an avant-garde in a difficult historical moment, with the potential to bring positive change. Media and authorities attempt to discredit the movement, but students remain persistent and active in fighting for a different social and political course.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the transformative potential of student activism as a challenge to entrenched nationalist and authoritarian narratives. They highlight the students’ embrace of diversity, solidarity, and humanistic values as a foundation for progressive social change. The critique of media manipulation and government repression is also prominent, portraying the youth movement as a beacon of hope against a toxic political environment.
Center: Center-leaning sources present student activism as a significant social phenomenon bringing fresh energy and new ideas to Serbia’s political landscape. They acknowledge the challenges faced by young activists, including media bias and political resistance, but focus on the constructive aspects of their engagement and the potential for gradual societal improvement through dialogue and democratic participation.
Right: Right-leaning sources tend to be more skeptical or critical of student activism, sometimes framing it as disruptive or influenced by external ideological agendas. They may emphasize the importance of stability and continuity, viewing the rejection of past generations’ legacy as potentially dismissive of national history and values. Media coverage from this perspective might focus on the government’s efforts to maintain order and question the effectiveness or motives of the protests.
