Daniel Jackson knows many view his ambition as nothing short of bonkers. Yet, at just 21 years old, the Melbourne-born leader holds a unique global title: the world's youngest political leader. This starkly contrasts with figures like former US President Donald Trump, who was 79 at his inauguration.
The Birth of a Nation and a Sudden Exile
Jackson's political journey began in 2019 when he founded the Free Republic of Verdis on a 124-acre sliver of forest along the Danube River, nestled between Croatia and Serbia. Accessible only by boat, this self-declared state is the second smallest in the world after Vatican City. The land had been unclaimed due to a longstanding border dispute between the two Balkan nations.
However, Jackson's dream faced a brutal setback in October 2023. Croatian forces entered Verdis, expelled its citizens, and established a blockade. Jackson now leads his nation from exile, labelling Croatia's actions a violation of international law. Croatian authorities, however, deem the micronation a 'provocative action without any basis in law'.
Verdis vs. Liberland: A Contrast in Micronational Visions
Verdis is located near another micronation, Liberland, founded by Czech politician Vít Jedlička in 2015. While both emerged on disputed Danube territory, Jackson stresses their philosophies differ. 'They're quite anarchist, Libertarian, whereas Verdis has a normal centralised government, and more views around humanitarian aid,' he explained. Liberland's prime minister is crypto billionaire Justin Sun.
Jackson is adamant that Verdis is not seeking to become a deregulated haven. 'We don't plan on being a hot spot for anything. We don't plan on legalising, say marijuana,' he told the Daily Mail. 'We've always made it clear to Croatia that we're ready to cooperate... to make sure that Verdis is a safe state.'
Building Momentum and Bridging Historic Divides
Despite the physical blockade, momentum for Verdis is growing. The nation now boasts 400 residents and 1,400 e-residents, prompting the opening of a second office in Belgrade, Serbia. In just three months, it has raised $220,000 through investors and its e-residency program.
Significantly, most citizens are ethnic Serbs and Croats, making the dual Australian-British national a minority in his own country. Jackson sees this as an opportunity. 'Most of our citizens being ethnic Serbs and Croats... younger people are definitely much more supportive,' he said, hoping Verdis can foster reconciliation after the scars of the Yugoslav wars.
His vision is to transform the forested patch into a hub for global entrepreneurs, with digital business registration akin to Estonia's model. The ultimate goal is clear: 'The best ending would be for Verdis to be recognised as an independent sovereign state by the international community.' He has even mused that competing in Eurovision would be an ideal platform for recognition, an idea supported by Serbian Eurovision contestant Luke Black.
Back in Australia, Jackson admits his Gen-Z ambition has sometimes scared his parents. But he remains undeterred. 'I think the world's boring without something like this happening,' he reflected. 'It's also inspiring for young people... to show that, yeah, even when times are bleak, it's best to just keep pushing.'
