The victory of the student movement in Serbia in the parliamentary elections has once again posed a fundamental question for Iranian society: Does political change necessarily have to go through war, foreign military intervention, and the destruction of the country, or can it rely on the power of the community, the organization of citizens, and the will of the people?
The Experience of Serbia; From Catastrophe to Demand for Change
On November 1, 2024, the collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad train station resulted in the deaths of 16 people, and this incident became the starting point for a wave of protests. Students demanded transparency in investigations, accountability from officials, and a fight against corruption. Gradually, the protests extended beyond universities and encompassed various social groups.
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The significance of this movement was not only in the number of protesters but also in its ability to link a specific demand with a broader issue: government accountability and the necessity of reforming public institutions. By maintaining their protests and focusing on their demands, students created the groundwork for expanding social support. In the parliamentary elections on October 25, 2026, the list supported by this movement won, and Vučić accepted the defeat of the ruling coalition.
Examining Conditions and Fundamental Questions for Iran
Iran is not Serbia. The history, political structure, economic conditions, and restrictions on political activity in the two countries have serious differences. Therefore, one cannot prescribe Serbia's model for Iran without considering these differences. However, the experience of Serbia can prompt us to pose several fundamental questions about the situation in Iran: How can scattered protests be transformed into a public demand for accountability and the rule of law? How can bridges be built between different social groups and political viewpoints? And how can the reproduction of power concentration after a regime change be prevented?
The experience of the student movement in Serbia reminds us of the possibility that political change can emerge from collective action, civil mobilization, and political competition. For Iran, the question is not only who should leave, but how change should occur and what order should replace the current situation. Is the goal merely the displacement of those in power, or is it to build a society where freedom, human dignity, and citizens' rights are guaranteed?
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