2022-11-08

Debate: Civic Activism as the Last Line in the Defence of Democracy

Centre Dialogue – Social Forum

On 8 November 2022, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised the debate: Civic Activism as the Last Line in the Defence of Democracy, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Partaking in the discussion were: Predrag Voštinić, Local Front; Aida Ćorović, Art Historian and Civic Activist; Slobodan Georgiev, News Director TV Nova S; Dragoslava Barzut, Civic Initiatives; Aleksandra Galonja, Civic Activist; Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Antonela Riha, Journalist.

During the discussion, it was pointed out that in Serbia there is growing mistrust in state institutions, which goes hand in hand with the crisis facing the opposition. In our country professional journalism, the opposition, civic activism, are all prohibited. We don’t have a country; we live in a pseudo-state; we no longer have a society, but rather, consist of rudimentary associations of people. The citizenry are sovereign holders of the right to influence the community in which they live. For civic activism to exist, people must be able to fight for their rights. Activism is not just an anti-political or anti-party act; it is the civic duty of everyone who lives here. In the overall erosion of rule of law, it is important to believe in the ‘little guy’ who wants to affect change in the local community. Without civic activism, there will be no change for the better. The citizenry is the key here.

We organised the following debate in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation – Centre Dialogue – Social Forum.