SERBIA

VUČIĆ SEEKS SOLUTION FOR PROTESTS: Serbian President invites University Rector’s Board to dialogue!

by Serbian Times3. February 2025.3. February 2025.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has invited the Rector’s Board of the University of Belgrade to begin a dialogue on Wednesday, February 5, at a time of their choosing, in order to find a solution to the ongoing blockade of classes at higher education institutions.

“If students and professors believe that some of their demands have not been met or have not been fully addressed, it is necessary to open a dialogue on this issue, as well as on any other matters that may be important for overcoming the current situation,” President Vučić stated.

He emphasized that, based on Article 111 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, which grants him the role of expressing state unity, and using his authority as an elected public official, he is calling on the Rector’s Board, along with other relevant institutions and representatives of the academic community, to initiate a dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing blockade of higher education institutions.

*”Following the tragedy in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, the blockade of university buildings began on November 22. These blockades have resulted in the suspension of lectures, exercises, exams, and other forms of teaching at higher education institutions. Acknowledging that the Extended Rector’s Board of the University of Belgrade expressed support for the student protests in its December 10, 2024 statement, I am certain that you recognize that the current situation, in the long run, harms not only the teaching process and students themselves but also the development of education, science, and society as a whole,” Vučić pointed out.

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He reiterated that if students and professors believe that some demands remain unmet or only partially fulfilled, a dialogue is essential to resolve these concerns and address any other relevant issues.

“I firmly believe that only through dialogue can we jointly determine whether the students’ demands have been met, to what extent, and what further actions need to be taken to fulfill them in an expected manner,” Vučić said.

He assured that all relevant institutions are prepared to work around the clock to meet the students’ demands.

“I expect that you will respond to this invitation, which is primarily aimed at the well-being of the University, students, professors, and all citizens, while fully respecting everyone’s right to react and express their opinions on matters of public and social significance,” Vučić concluded.