Locations Affected: Greece, Romania, Serbia
Over the past few months, multiple countries in the Balkans have faced increasing political turmoil and protests, leading to the resignations of several leaders. The protests in Serbia, spearheaded by students, were triggered by a railway accident in November 2024. Protesters demanded accountability for the disaster and staged multiple blockades. The anti-corruption protests also heightened tensions in parliament, with opposition members demanding Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation. PM Vucevic eventually resigned on 28 January.
A few days after the Serbian PM’s resignation, protesters in Greece began demanding accountability for the Tempi train crash, which occurred on 28 February 2023.
Meanwhile, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis resigned to avoid suspension by parliament. The political crisis was triggered after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of presidential voting in December 2024 due to suspicions of external interference.
Protests and Their Impact
- Anti-corruption protests continue in Serbia, with several blockades and marches staged in February. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also held multiple counter-rallies to regain control of the political narrative.
- In Romania, supporters of Călin Georgescu, who was leading in the annulled presidential vote, organized rallies to protest the court’s decision. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), which backs Georgescu, gathered over 200,000 signatures to formalize his candidacy.
- Georgescu also urged his supporters to participate in the supermarket boycott that has gained traction across the Balkans amid rising grocery prices and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
- Mass mobilizations are planned across Greece on 28 February to mark the anniversary of the Tempi crash.
Outlook on the Situation
The protests in the Balkans highlight growing dissatisfaction with corruption and the lack of transparency and accountability. Serbian protesters remain largely apolitical, but the fallout has increased pressure on both the current government and opposition parties, which have failed to provide a viable alternative. While the protests have left a significant impact, it remains uncertain whether they will lead to substantial political change amid a fragmented opposition.
The Greek government also faces mounting pressure as public dissatisfaction boosts support for anti-establishment parties. Conversely, the growing support for Georgescu in Romania signals a shift towards nationalism. If Georgescu, currently leading in the presidential race, wins the election, Romanian politics could undergo a significant policy shift.
