In Memoriam: Prof. Dr. Dragoljub Mićunović
With the passing of Prof. Dr. Dragoljub Mićunović, Serbia has lost one of its most distinguished intellectual figures. The Academy for Democratic Development pays tribute to a man who, for decades, represented a moral compass and a role model for generations of politicians.
During the most difficult years of our recent history, he courageously defended human rights and democratic values against extremism. His consistent resistance to the regime of Slobodan Milošević and to nationalist madness testifies to his immense courage and personal dignity. For four full decades, he refused rotten compromises with policies that set society back, remaining unwavering in his convictions.
As an early and committed European, a visionary and a leftist, he devoted his entire life to establishing the rule of law, social justice and the protection of human dignity. His political experience was crucial to the creation of DOS and the democratic change of 2000, and later served as a stable pillar of support for reformist governments. He preserved his impeccable integrity until the very end.
The Balkans will remember him as a consistent anti-war politician and peacebuilder, and Europe as a statesman who always placed dialogue and culture above force. From the student protests of 1968 and the dissident era to the creation of modern multiparty politics, he lived the philosophy of freedom every day.
His legacy is lasting proof that, even in the harsh world of politics, one can and must remain an honourable person.
Photo: IFDT
