Balkans-13-Yugoslavia-After-Tito-From-Collective-Rule-to-Rising-Nationalism-and-
After Tito, a nation without its leader, 1980-1989, the strength of a nation is often tested most after the passing of those who built it. On May 4, 1980, Yugoslavia stood still. Factories fell silent, schools paused their lessons, and across cities, towns, and villages, millions watched the funeral of Josip Broz Tito. For 35 years, he had been more than a president. He had become the symbol that held together a nation of many peoples. Now he was gone. The question few had dared to ask during his lifetime could no longer be avoided. Who could replace him? The answer was, no one. Rather than appoint a single new leader, Yugoslavia adopted a collective presidency. Representatives from the six republics, together with the autonomous provinces of Kosovo and Vojvodina, would share power by taking turns to chair the presidency. It was an innovative solution, designed to prevent any one republic from dominating the others. Yet it also meant that decisions became slower. Consensus became harder to achieve. At first, everyday life changed very little. Children still attended school. Families took summer holidays along the Adriatic coast. Factories continued to produce cars, machinery, and h
