The Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabić, sharply criticized the claims of the Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, that the state covers all material costs of faculties. Brnabić emphasized that the state finances the educational, scientific, and research functions of faculties, but citizens are not obliged to cover costs of dormitories, discos, raves, and other activities not related to the educational function. She also condemned Đokić’s attitude towards students and his support for anonymous plenums, calling him a disgrace to the university and higher education in Serbia.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the criticism of Vladan Đokić’s claims as misleading and harmful to students, highlighting the need for transparent and fair funding of education. They focus on the protection of student rights and the importance of state support for genuine educational activities, while condemning any misuse of funds for non-educational purposes.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the dispute between Ana Brnabić and Vladan Đokić, presenting both sides of the argument. They emphasize the state’s role in funding education and the controversy over what costs should be covered, maintaining a neutral tone and focusing on the implications for higher education policy.
Right: Right-leaning media highlight Ana Brnabić’s strong condemnation of Vladan Đokić, portraying him as irresponsible and damaging to the reputation of Serbian higher education. They stress the importance of fiscal responsibility and criticize any claims that suggest excessive state spending, supporting Brnabić’s stance on limiting funding to core educational functions.
