How students toppled Serbia’s strongman
Summary
This episode examines the historic defeat of Serbian President Alexander Vucic by a leaderless student movement that toppled his twelve-year authoritarian rule. Featuring interviews with movement organizers and newly elected MPs, the discussion explores how the group mobilized through university blockades and grassroots outreach following a fatal train station collapse. The segment analyzes the challenges facing this diverse coalition of experts, including forming a government without a central leader and navigating complex geopolitical issues like EU integration and relations with Russia.
Topics discussed
Intro and Ship Station ad
Celebrations in Belgrade after Vucic's defeat
The leaderless student movement and expert candidates
Anna Milosevic on the atmosphere of hopelessness
Why early elections were called and student mystique
Tara Blagojevic: Origins in the Novi Sad tragedy
University blockades and police violence
From protest to political force: The six demands
Grassroots outreach: Cycling to EU and village visits
Debating the expertise of PhD candidates
Milica Ivanovic: First impressions as a new MP
Common values and foreign policy stances
Ship Station and Squarespace ads
Challenges: Deep state institutions and decision-making
How the movement will choose a Prime Minister
Lessons for Europe: Citizens first and unity
Outro and credits
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Intelligent Enterprise podcast promo
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