Professors, students, and citizens have been protesting for three consecutive days in front of the Government of Serbia, opposing what they describe as political instrumentalization of education, erosion of autonomy, and degradation of higher education. Although the government dissolved the working group for drafting a new higher education law, protesters demand the repeal of illegal amendments to the university work standards regulation and the adoption of budget quotas for faculty admissions by the end of June. Professors have announced traffic blockades and will continue protests until their demands are met.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the grassroots nature of the protests, highlighting the defense of academic freedom, opposition to government interference, and the negative impact of neoliberal policies on public education. They focus on the demands for autonomy and fair funding as part of a broader struggle for social justice and democratic governance in education.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the protests factually, outlining the key demands of professors and students, the government’s response, and the potential implications for the higher education system. They present balanced views, including statements from both protesters and government officials, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reform.
Right: Right-leaning media may frame the protests as disruptive or politically motivated, questioning the legitimacy of the demands or portraying the government’s reforms as necessary for modernization and efficiency. They might stress the importance of maintaining order and criticize the protesters for blocking traffic and causing inconvenience.
