“In these politically challenging times, it has become clear who is ready to fight and who is not, who is prepared to work, and who hides away,” Vučić told reporters. “Therefore, in an urgent reshuffle, more than 50% of today’s ministers should be replaced.”
Vučić said the government was willing to engage with student protesters, who have been calling for the release of certain documents, the prosecution of individuals who attacked demonstrators, and the withdrawal of charges against some participants in mass protests that have swept the country. Students are also demanding a 20% increase in higher education funding.
The president noted that, in response to protesters’ demands, Serbia has published all requested documents and launched criminal proceedings against 37 individuals accused of assaulting demonstrators. However, Vučić said some protesters still face charges. “If there is no other solution, I will be ready to sign a pardon for those people,” he added.
Serbia's Prime Minister, Miloš Vučević, separately invited university deans, rectors, professors, and student representatives to meet at the government’s offices to discuss the unrest. The government decided in December to boost funding for universities’ operational costs by 20%, but students say the measure covers only a portion of overall expenditures on higher education.
Thousands of protesters, responding to an appeal by student groups, on Monday began a 24-hour blockade of a major highway through central Belgrade, which is expected to end on Tuesday at 10 a.m. local time.
(jh)
Source: PAP