In her latest commentary, Tanja Maier reflects on the state of grassroots activism across Austria, Serbia, and Croatia. After stepping back from activism over a year ago to focus on her personal life, Maier highlights the ongoing struggles faced by various communities in these countries. In Vienna, the local government has halted basic support payments for Ukrainian refugees, which amounted to €260 per adult and €145 per child. Many refugees have not received these payments since October or November 2024, primarily due to new documentation requirements that have caused significant delays [47ef2b25].
In Serbia, widespread protests against government corruption erupted following a tragic accident in Novi Sad. The protests saw participation from both students and workers, culminating in a general strike that underscored the public's frustration with the current administration [47ef2b25]. Meanwhile, in Croatia, citizens initiated a grocery boycott in response to soaring food prices, reflecting growing discontent with the economic situation [47ef2b25].
Maier also touches on the political landscape in the United States, discussing the influence of former President Donald Trump and the recent confirmation of Pete Hegseth as U.S. Secretary of Defense. She critiques the privilege often found in American political discourse and calls for a more inclusive conversation around activism and civil society [47ef2b25]. Additionally, she celebrates the Oscar nominations for the film 'Anora,' recognizing the intersection of culture and activism [47ef2b25].
Through her reflections, Maier emphasizes the importance of civil courage and the need for continued grassroots efforts to address pressing social issues in Europe and beyond [47ef2b25].