Protest as new education minister takes office

Stankovic is an associate professor at the Belgrade University school for teachers and educators and is known to the public as a pro-regime political analyst. The prevailing view among opposition politicians is that his appointment is meant to punish the student protesters and striking teachers.

Tuesday’s protest participants said they would not prevent the new minister from entering the building on his first day at work. The protest has been joined by students and pre-school staff.

Banners expressing sentiments about the authorities and new minister – offensive, manipulation, repression, lack of respect – were raised on one side of the crowd and banners expressing the values of the protesters on the other – integrity, honor, conscience, competence.

Traffic was blocked in front of the ministry building with the crowd making noise. The crowd observed 16 Minutes of Silence at 11:52.

University School of Political Sciences Professor Dejan Pavlovic told N1 that the appointment of the new education minister sends a clear message. “This is some kind of call for a dialogue and here we are to tell him what we have to say,” he added.