Serbia’s Experiment: Combining Democracy & Meritocracy
Turning parliament from a platform of patronage into an assembly of brainy citizens.
TL;DR
- Innovation in governance often emerges from newer, less established democracies.
- Serbia, a sovereign state since 2006, has experienced a youth revolt against corrupt rule.
- The 'Student List' won 140 out of 250 parliamentary seats in October elections.
- The movement is organized horizontally and democratically, with decisions made through deliberative plenums.
- Candidates are not career politicians, but learned citizens selected for their expertise.
- The new parliament aims to depoliticize institutions, restore judicial independence, and fight corruption.
- Goals include revitalizing the education system and replacing nepotism with merit.
- Older democracies can learn from Serbia's youth movement as they face challenges of decaying trust in institutions.