Education minister says she would like to talk with students

She explained that the winter break will begin four days earlier than originally planned nationwide, as it was assessed that the quality of education has been compromised due to the ongoing student blockades and strikes.

Students of four Serbian state universities and some high schools have been protesting for weeks, demanding government accountability over the November 1 collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad train station that killed 15 people, and prosecution of violent provocateurs who have been harassing them during ongoing protests across Serbia.

Djukic Dejanovic maintained that the students’ demands have been met, and said she is waiting for them to propose a time and place for a meeting if they believe otherwise.

Regarding the December 22 mass protest in central Belgrade, she described it as a large gathering of dissatisfied citizens, noting that “these processes did not start yesterday.”

“This is a continuation of expressing dissatisfaction. While yesterday’s protest gathered a large number of decent but dissatisfied citizens and students, it was also part of a planned program by political groups who have been calling for protests for months, demanding a change of government and the formation of an interim government,” said Djukic Dejanovic.

She believes that the situation cannot be calmed without dialogue, which is necessary for maintaining stability, reported the Serbian state TV (RTS).

The minister was recently booed by students. Though she has maintained a low profile since the student protests began, she appeared at a public discussion about education laws in the city of Nis last week, but had to leave shortly after. The discussion was interrupted when students entered the Nis assembly hall and booed her. The Minister quickly exited through the back door, and in a subsequent statement said that “this is not the youth she knows.”

Djukic Dejanovic, who is an official of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), denied allegations that her party has not been a loyal coalition partner to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

In an interview with RTS, she emphasized that the SPS has never had a partner with whom they have achieved more together.