Serbian Government and University Chaos: Who Controls Faculties and Textbooks?
Serbia is caught in a whirlwind of reforms and chaos at universities, with Prime Minister Đuro Macut and Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković not holding back as they try to bring order to the education system. But is it even possible while students and faculty leadership are locked in battles over control of buildings and classes?
Government Boasts Results, But Universities Are in Blockade
Prime Minister Macut announced that next week he will present the government’s results for the first 100 days. Among the adopted laws are new media laws, electronic visas, and a revolutionary electronic sick leave system that, he claims, will make employee control in healthcare much easier. But while reforms are praised, chaos reigns at universities.
Macut clearly stated that there must be no occupation of faculty buildings and that it’s high time students and leadership realize reality and restore normal life. “Such situations show weaknesses in university operations,” the prime minister said, emphasizing responsibility lies with leadership and students.
Textbooks as a Weapon in Educational Reform
The government plans to introduce a new textbook law that will, according to Macut, harmonize knowledge and funding, making textbooks cheaper and lighter to carry. Next year, first and fifth graders will receive new textbooks in Serbian language, history, geography, and other subjects. The goal is to reduce confusion caused by the concentration of publishers in one group.
Political Instrumentalization of Universities?
Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković openly expressed concern about the political instrumentalization of universities. He stated that the Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, has the right to engage in politics but must not use the university as a platform for political work. Stanković criticized the fact that opposition leadership is being built at the expense of the university, which has long been dysfunctional.
Makeup Classes and Exams
Stanković praised universities in Novi Sad and Niš that have already started exam activities and makeup classes, while the University of Belgrade is still in process. He especially highlighted the maturity of students at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, who decided not to obstruct exams, showing that one can have a political stance while respecting the right to education.
What’s Next?
While the government boasts reforms and plans, universities struggle with internal problems and political pressures. Will the new laws and announcements about cheaper textbooks and electronic sick leave really bring relief, or will chaos at faculties continue? And will leadership and students finally realize it’s time for order and responsibility?
If you have your own take on all this, or maybe know what’s going on at your faculty, feel free to drop a comment. It’s never a bad idea to vent a little about what’s bugging us, right?
