**Citizens Take Matters into Their Own Hands in Serbia**
Ten days after being invited to do so by students, citizens have started organizing assemblies across Serbia. By exercising their own sovereignty, they are implementing a model of direct democracy in cities across the country.
In Stari Grad, an assembly was held outside the municipal building. Citizens and activists gathered to learn about the basics of direct democracy and discuss issues affecting the municipality. They agreed that Stari Grad faces numerous problems and that they, as bearers of sovereignty, must be involved in solving them.
**Citizens Speak Out**
Citizens shared their concerns and frustrations with the current state of the municipality. One resident expressed her disappointment at the condition of Stari Grad, calling it a “stinking hole.” Others spoke about the need for change and the importance of citizen involvement.
Actor Tihomir Stanic attended the assembly and expressed his support for the initiative. He believes that these assemblies will contribute to normalizing society. Sociologist Dalibor Petrovic also spoke about the potential impact of these assemblies, saying they can bring citizens out of political abstinence and back into civic life.
**Government Response**
However, not everyone is in favor of these assemblies. Minister Jelena Zaric Kovacevic stated that these gatherings often turn into open terror against institutions, violence, and hatred. She also emphasized that a citizens’ assembly cannot make any binding decisions.
Despite the government’s concerns, citizens have been organizing assemblies across Serbia. These events are taking place in cities such as Cacak, Novi Sad, Obrenovac, Vlasotince, Nis, Vracar, and Zemun.
**A Paradox**
One interviewee noted that the decisions made at these assemblies must ultimately be submitted to local institutions that citizens do not trust. This presents a paradox that remains uncertain. Sociologist Petrovic views these assemblies as a symbolic form of citizen mobilization.
Assemblies are being held regularly across Serbia, and it seems that citizens are determined to take matters into their own hands. The future of this movement is uncertain, but one thing is clear: citizens are no longer willing to remain silent about the issues affecting their communities.