In recent years, a wave of anti-corruption protests has surged across various nations, both within the European Union and beyond. These movements, often led by students and civil society groups, underscore a growing demand for transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.
Serbia: The Catalyst for Regional Unrest
In November 2024, Serbia witnessed a tragic incident when the newly renovated railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, resulting in 16 fatalities. Investigations linked the disaster to corruption and mismanagement associated with a Chinese-funded infrastructure project. This event ignited nationwide protests, predominantly led by university students, who adopted the slogan “Corruption Kills” (Korupcija ubija) and symbolised their movement with a bloody handprint. The demonstrations highlighted deep-seated grievances regarding government corruption and lack of accountability.
Turkey: Political Arrests Fuel Public Outcry
In early 2025, the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges, widely perceived as politically motivated, sparked mass protests across Turkey. Demonstrators viewed İmamoğlu’s detention as an attempt to suppress political opposition and undermine democratic processes. The protests called for his release and demanded greater political freedoms and judicial independence.
Slovakia: Shifts in Foreign Policy and Internal Discontent
December 2024 saw Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s controversial visit to Moscow and the subsequent suspension of military aid to Ukraine. Coupled with ongoing corruption scandals and judicial reforms perceived as undermining the rule of law, these actions triggered mass protests in Bratislava and other cities. Demonstrators, waving EU flags and chanting “Slovakia is Europe,” expressed their opposition to the government’s pro-Russian stance and demanded adherence to European democratic values.
Greece: Commemorating Tragedy with Calls for Justice
The second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, which claimed 57 lives in February 2023, became a focal point for mass protests in Greece. Memorial rallies across the country and among the Greek diaspora demanded justice for the victims and accountability for the systemic failures that led to the disaster. The protests emphasised public frustration with perceived governmental negligence and corruption.
North Macedonia: Nightclub Fire Sparks Nationwide Demonstrations
In March 2025, a devastating fire at a nightclub in Kočani resulted in 59 deaths. The tragedy was attributed to lax safety standards and corrupt practices, leading to mass protests in Skopje and other cities. Echoing Serbian protest slogans, demonstrators demanded stringent anti-corruption measures and improved public safety regulations.
Regional Solidarity and the Quest for EU Integration
The anti-corruption protests in Serbia inspired similar movements in neighboring Balkan countries. In Bosnia and Montenegro, students rallied against corruption following local tragedies, such as a landslide in Sarajevo that resulted in 29 deaths and mass shootings in Montenegro causing 23 fatalities. These protests highlight shared grievances across the region and a collective demand for accountability and reform, especially as these nations aspire for EU membership.
Socratic Reflections
- What happens when corruption is no longer an exception, but part of the system’s design? Is it still possible to reform a system whose very survival depends on opacity and clientelism?
- Can a democracy be truly democratic if unelected networks hold the real levers of power? If public officials answer not to the people but to entrenched interests, what does that make the ballot box?
- Is the “deep state” a conspiracy — or just the logical consequence of unchecked bureaucracy and elite capture? How can citizens confront forces they cannot see or name?
These questions invite a deeper exploration of the dynamics between governance, corruption, and public accountability, emphasising the importance of democratic engagement in fostering transparent and responsible leadership.
