Belgrade Syndicate: Political 'left and right' divisions are imposed on us

Members of the Serbian music group Belgrade Syndicate feel that the political labels of "left and right" are imposed upon them, forcing them into a difficult position. Ognjen Janković and Feđa Dimović explained that they navigate between these opposing political forces, which leaves them consistently open to criticism.

“

We didn't grow up like that. We weren't taught: 'Children, you have come to a period now, one door leads left, another to the right.' That didn't exist, they imposed that on us.

"We didn't grow up like that. We weren't taught: 'Children, you have come to a period now, one door leads left, another to the right.' That didn't exist, they imposed that on us," Ognjen Janković stated, referring to the perceived artificiality of current political divisions.

“

There has emerged a group of young people who have organized themselves and now it is a serious movement, which we all stood behind, who said they would not leave, that this is perhaps the last chance for this generation that is finishing university and is at that doorstep, the suitcase is packed, but will they take it, cross the doorstep and leave or will they say 'let it be, let's see, maybe I'll unpack it and put it back'. We hope they will unpack it and that things will not leave, that they will take over this country.

The group also reflected on the persistent issue of young people emigrating from Serbia. Janković recalled a discussion from five years prior about this topic, noting that the situation remains critical. He expressed hope for a new generation of young people who have begun to organize and are considering staying in Serbia, seeing it as a potential last chance for their generation.

“

When we had that conversation five years ago, I have a feeling that now, compared to then, it is ten times worse, and we were already talking then that the situation was unbearable, that young people were leaving.

Feđa Dimović added that the accumulation of unresolved problems fuels the desire for young people to leave. He feels the situation has worsened significantly since their previous discussion five years ago, describing the current moment as "make or break." Dimović also touched upon the group's song "Fake Patriots," suggesting it perfectly captures the theme of navigating these imposed political divides and the struggle to define patriotism amidst conflicting extremes.

“

Now you have to swim between these two fires and that is a constant position to be under attack, if you want to be on the side where Belgrade Syndicate is, and where, I think, the student movement is now.