Vucic says students’ demands met, additional ones won’t be accepted

“I don’t wish to comment, especially not at this time. We will talk about this in the coming days,” Vucic told reporters in Brussels, where he was attending the European Union (EU) -Western Balkans summit.

He said he had “no intention” of commenting on the meeting of the University of Belgrade’s Rectorate, where, according to media reports, the proposal for a general strike put forward by students who have been blocking university faculties in Serbia for days was not accepted.

“They can do whatever they want as long as they don’t endanger people’s safety. Unlike some other countries, we will not send police or other forces to universities. We respect university autonomy,” the Serbian president said. He reiterated that all of the students’ demands have been fulfilled.

“We do not accept additional demands. They do their job, we do ours, and that’s it,” said Vucic.

No technical or provisional governments

Vucic also emphasized that he would not allow the formation of a technical or provisional government, adding that he is the only one with the constitutional powers to make such decisions.

He said that no one but him can appoint a prime minister-designate for any government.

“There will be no technical or provisional government,” said Vucic.

“Green light for cluster opening”

The Serbian president said he expects Serbia to open Cluster 3 and integrate into the European Single Payment Area by the end of January or the beginning of February. He added that Serbia anticipates receiving the first tranche from the EU’s growth agenda in the next three to four days.

Vucic expressed confidence that Serbia would open Cluster 3, noting that if Croatia does not want Serbia to proceed with the opening of the cluster it can say so.

“We got the green light,” said Vucic, adding that the opening of Cluster 3 is now blocked by only two EU member states, rather than eight.