Ever thought universities in Serbia pick their own rectors? Think again! Prof. Dr. Dejan Vuk Stanković just shattered that myth. He said loud and clear: there’s no country in the world where a university appoints or fires the Minister of Education, let alone the other way around! The Minister of Education is a political position proposed by the Serbian government and appointed by the National Assembly — the highest legislative body. So forget those so-called “rebel universities” or “free universities” popping up in the media, pretending to be a massive movement.
This statement came as a response to demands from informal groups like the “rebel university” and “free university” calling for the minister’s dismissal. But Stanković slammed them as made-up groups with no real power or legitimacy. He stressed that while universities are autonomous, they don’t get to appoint or dismiss state officials — that’s not how it works anywhere.
This reveals the real power struggle between politics and academia in Serbia. While students and professors fight for their interests, the state clearly holds the reins. The Ministry of Education, part of the executive branch, is tasked with proposing and controlling key education personnel — not some “quasi-groups” claiming to speak for the people.
Imagine this — a group calling itself the “rebel university” thinks it can fire a minister! That’s like your neighbor deciding who becomes mayor. Unreal, right? But in the age of social media and fake news, anything goes. That’s why it’s crucial to know who really holds the power and how the system works.
If you think this is just another boring political story, think again. This topic directly affects education quality, the future of youth, and Serbia’s development. Who appoints and fires ministers and rectors? Who holds the strings? And why do some people think they can change the rules overnight?
Got your own take or heard juicy stories about these “rebel universities”? Share them! Maybe together we’ll uncover more secrets from the education world that the powers-that-be want to hide. And if you’re bored, just laugh at these “quasi-groups” who think they’re more important than they really are. Who knows, maybe they’ll be next to fire the prime minister!
Either way, keep your eyes open and don’t believe everything you read. Because in Serbia, like everywhere else, power lies with those who know how to use it — and it’s definitely not the “rebel universities.”
