In Serbia, recent days have seen protests by students, professors, and citizens in front of the Government building, organized by the “Rebel University” initiative and other academic communities. The protests are directed against what they describe as systematic repression of political dissenters, including arrests of citizens and academics in Novi Sad, Kosjerić, and Belgrade. The main demands include the repeal of illegal amendments to the university work standards regulation, preservation of higher education autonomy, and adoption of budget quotas for university admissions. The government has disbanded the working group for drafting a new higher education law, which was one of the protest demands, but other demands remain unmet. The protests have involved traffic blockades and announcements of further actions until demands are met. Reactions from authorities and political actors vary, with criticisms of the protests and their consequences, while the academic community insists on transparency and justice.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the systemic repression faced by students, professors, and political dissenters, highlighting the arrests and government overreach. They focus on the importance of academic freedom, the autonomy of universities, and the legitimacy of the protests as a fight for democracy and justice. The narrative stresses solidarity among the academic community and the need for transparent governance in education.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the protests as a significant social movement addressing concerns about educational reforms and government actions. They present balanced views, acknowledging the protesters’ demands for autonomy and legal adherence, while also noting the government’s responses and attempts at dialogue. The focus is on the ongoing negotiations and the impact of protests on public order and education policy.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to highlight the disruptions caused by the protests, including traffic blockades and social unrest. They often frame the protests as politically motivated actions by opposition groups or activists, sometimes questioning the legitimacy of the demands or criticizing the protesters for causing instability. The narrative may include government officials’ statements condemning the protests and emphasizing law and order.
