Flight from responsibility

By: Saša Janković

Dear Iljir,

One thought from your previous letter about the bleak political reality in Kosovo has stayed with me in particular – the flight from responsibility.

You know that for quite some time I have avoided speaking about the nature of power in Serbia. It has long been clear to anyone who does not wish to look away. I spoke about it when others were still silent; today it has become a commonplace I prefer not to dwell on when I do not have to.

What seems far more important is to understand why an effective alternative is still lacking. How is it possible that a policy so harmful endures for so long? This is not only a question for Serbia. In different forms, it is a challenge we recognize across the region.

At the root of many weaknesses, I see the same pattern – the avoidance of responsibility.

At times it appears as a rejection of political leadership: “we do not need leaders.” At times as a transfer of responsibility to non-partisan authorities: “the solution is a government of experts.” At times as reliance on external actors: “someone from the outside (the EU) will save us.” At times as constant postponement in pursuit of ideal conditions: “first everyone must unite,” “first the rules of the game must change.”
And at times as the belief that the energy of society will, by itself, produce a political outcome.

All of these are, to a certain extent, understandable reactions. But none of them can substitute for political responsibility.

Public support, the energy of young people, the credibility of societal actors, fair electoral conditions, media access, principled international support – all of these are important elements. Yet they rarely come as preconditions. More often, they are the result of clear political action that brings them together and gives them direction.

In conditions where the key levers remain in the hands of a government that plays unfairly – and wins that way – to expect that all conditions will first fall perfectly into place is to accept indefinite postponement.

In Serbia, a pattern has repeated itself for years: every attempt at consolidation and action encounters internal weaknesses (partly generated by those in power). This is not only a matter of individuals, but also of political culture – I would even say a worldview that seeks to affirm its “freedom” by rejecting the need for organization, discipline, clearly defined priorities, and strong personal leadership, dismissing all of these as outdated.

And without them, there is neither a change of power nor responsible governance of the state. Still, this picture is not immutable. On the contrary, everything can change in a political instant.

The moment a political actor emerges who is ready to clearly articulate goals, assume responsibility, and act not only consistently but decisively – who can say, for example:

“We know who we are. This is what we want. We know we can achieve it. Either help us, or step aside.”

If such a political offer is built on real authority rather than mere good intentions, and if people recognize in it a better future for Serbia and for themselves within it, then the support and energy that now seem scattered will begin to converge.

Not because the conditions have first aligned perfectly, but because the assumption of responsibility – grounded, credible, and timely – can, in a bleak present, act as a form of catharsis.

This, I believe, is something that transcends the boundaries of our societies. Because in the end, no system rests on rules alone, but on people willing to take responsibility for it.

Sincerely,
Saša

The mountain labored…