One of Serbia’s most prestigious high schools has partially resumed operations after nearly five months of student-led blockades, marking a potential shift in the country’s education protests. The Fifth Belgrade Gymnasium began holding regular 45-minute classes today, according to Luka Lalosevic, a political science student monitoring the situation.
In a video statement posted on the Instagram account “studenti.koji.zele.da.uce” (Students Who Want to Learn), Lalosevic contradicted claims that the blockade would continue indefinitely. “Despite assertions that our school would remain closed, instruction has officially restarted today following the standard schedule,” he announced. The student activist acknowledged that while some classmates continue boycotting classes, a substantial number have returned to their studies.
The Gymnasium had been shuttered since January as part of nationwide demonstrations against government education reforms. Students across Serbia have demanded the withdrawal of controversial legislation, greater involvement in policy decisions, and improved school conditions through sustained classroom occupations and street protests.
Education Minister Branko Ruzic had previously denounced the blockades as anarchic disruptions, while participants maintained their actions represented legitimate civil disobedience. The partial reopening suggests emerging divisions within the protest movement, with some students prioritizing academic progress over continued activism as final examinations approach.
