Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Sunday that nearly all schools in Serbia are expected to resume regular operations starting Monday or Tuesday, following disruptions caused by protests.
Speaking in Pionirski Park, where he met with students advocating for uninterrupted education, Vučić acknowledged that while some teachers had continued working despite the blockades, others refrained due to pressure from demonstrators.
“We had a group of teachers who were afraid of the protesters’ aggressive stance, but now the majority want to return to work,” Vučić said. “Some do it for financial reasons, while others simply want to perform their duty.”
He noted increasing pressure from parents demanding the resumption of normal schooling.
Upcoming Student Gatherings
Vučić urged students to continue advocating for their rights and announced that gatherings would be held on April 11, 12, and 13.
“We will organize various events, and everyone is welcome,” he said, inviting students to bring books as symbolic contributions to the cause.
During his discussion with students, concerns arose about the potential loss of accreditation for Serbia’s Medical Faculty. Student representative Miloš Pavlović stated that a query sent by the World Federation for Medical Education to Serbia’s National Accreditation Body (NAT) posed a serious challenge to the country’s healthcare and education systems.
Vučić also voiced support for the pro-government newspaper Informer, which has been the target of protests.
“No one has the right to hold 250 employees hostage by blocking their building,” he said. “Such actions expose the opposition’s intolerance toward differing opinions.”
Russian Security Officials Arrive in Serbia
The Serbian president confirmed that Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officials had arrived in Serbia to investigate allegations regarding the use of sound weapons.
“They will conduct inspections over the next seven to eight days before issuing their findings,” Vučić said, dismissing opposition claims as misleading.
Vučić condemned what he described as false allegations about a political attack in Novi Sad, stating that the incident actually involved an altercation between intoxicated individuals and a 12-year-old Roma boy.
“This is one of the most disgraceful fabrications to date,” he asserted.
The president assured students that the government would find ways to support those affected by disruptions, possibly through a special legislative measure extending the academic year.
“Hard work will prevail over obstruction,” Vučić said. “We will ensure that those who want to study are not deprived of the opportunity.”
During his visit, Vučić presented books to students for a makeshift library in Pionirski Park and participated in a basketball game with them.
