Serbia is gearing up for elections on Dec 17th. There is a new kid on the block among the parties, although not technically a party as they describe themselves as 'a movement' and hardly a 'kid' at least in terms of collective experience. There are 13 parties and the movement on the election list. The movement is called 'Mi Glas iz Naroda' (voice from the nation) and comprises of very experienced academics and writers, led by Dr B. Nestorvic. They are a movement for change and among the biggest changes desired is that external forces should not be dictating Serbian policy. I know, like many nations, easier said than done. There seems to be a decent ground swell of interest, not simply in them, but because the changes they are talking about are reflective of what a great many people in the country feel but don't believe they are being heard. And just like in other nations that is not always because the government of the day isn't listening, but it is more the force of the external boot which in Serbia's case comes via the power of the US installed viceroy alongside the EU poodles who too often make it impossible. Blackmail is a powerful tool when you have the world banks in your pocket.
Nevertheless, the 'movement' would be a good asset for the ruling party who are most likely to retain power and majority seats. The reason I think a good asset is not that they would offer a coalition, they have already stated they won't be in coalition with any party, but rather that they would provide a buffer against external pressure. The democracy of the will of the people, one hopes anyway. Anything to keep external forces at bay has to be a good thing. Besides that, politics doesn't always attract the best minds these days, tragic but true, without casting aspersions on anyone else standing it is refreshing to see a collective of intellectuals who want to give back to the nation they clearly love.
Would that the greater powers of the world had such minds to influence their policy. They surely have them in their nations but they keep them farther than arms length from power, which is such a loss for what hope they would bring with them.
Hope and change they go hand in hand and in politics across the globe sadly both are missing. Perhaps this small nation may show what is possible when one side listens to the other and all listen to the will of the people.