President Aleksandar Vucic stated today that one of the underlying motives behind the recent disruptions in Serbia’s education system may have been to prevent any progress or reforms aimed at modernizing it.
“These professors, through their negligence, disorder, and irresponsibility, have now created an opening for us to implement long-overdue changes in Serbia,” Vucic told TV Pink, referring to ongoing efforts to bring foreign universities into the country.
He accused certain faculty members of actively undermining the education sector during recent blockades and labeled them as key actors in what he described as an “attempted colored revolution.” According to Vucic, these individuals bear the greatest responsibility for the loss of knowledge among students.
“They will be held accountable for the damage they’ve caused. A serious crime has been committed against Serbia,” Vucic said, echoing a statement by historian Cedomir Antic, who claimed that even during World War II, education in Serbia suffered less devastation than it has in the last six months.
Last year, the Serbian government withdrew a legislative proposal that would have facilitated the entry of foreign universities, following pushback from academic circles.
Vucic announced a forthcoming increase in the minimum wage, stating that it will rise from the current 53,500 dinars (approximately €457) to €550 by January 2026. He explained that the state will achieve this by raising the non-taxable portion of salaries by just over 15%, thus easing the financial burden on employers.
Without this adjustment, Vucic warned, private-sector contributions would increase by an unsustainable €580 million. He also emphasized that the proposed new minimum wage of 64,400 dinars exceeds all union expectations.
Additionally, he projected an 8% growth in pensions this year—twice the expected inflation rate, which he estimates will stay below 4%.
However, he noted that salary growth would be slower than anticipated due to ongoing blockades, which, according to him, are harming the economy. Still, Vucic expects strong performance in the final quarter and highlighted that 100,000 Stellantis vehicles are slated for export by year-end.
“I’ll do everything in my power to ensure pension growth doesn’t fall below 8%, to speed up GDP growth, to push every sector—energy, construction, and private business—to show that momentum,” Vucic said.
Speaking after visiting the National Stadium construction site, Vucic voiced concern that the project is four months behind schedule. He expressed confidence that work would accelerate over the summer.
He also announced that the Belgrade–Subotica railway will open by mid-July, pending completion of paperwork. The president criticized bureaucratic delays, referencing the Novi Sad station canopy collapse that resulted in 16 deaths.
“Millions of euros were lost because the railway sat idle—no one dared issue permits or do their jobs,” he said.
Vucic revealed that the Pozega highway section will open on June 28, and reiterated that EXPO 2027 preparations are not limited to the stadium but include hospitals across Serbia, especially in Pazar, Uzice, and Leskovac.
He confirmed that elections will be called only when necessary and urged citizens to focus instead on improving living standards through higher wages and pensions.
Commenting on upcoming local elections in Kosjeric and Zajecar, Vucic admitted his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) faced significant challenges, with poor results in both areas.
“In Zajecar we barely formed a government, with about 40% of the vote—well below the national average. Kosjeric didn’t fare much better,” he said.
Responding to criticism from the opposition and Western media, Vucic mocked repeated claims that “Europe is bringing down Vucic,” pointing out that such headlines have circulated since 2014.
“There have been 82 similar headlines over the years, and yet—here I am,” he said.
He argued that the opposition sends a dangerous message to citizens: that decisions about Serbia’s future are made in Brussels, not Belgrade.
“That’s their core message. Mine is different—I believe I’m better respected abroad than they are,” Vucic stated.
He affirmed Serbia’s commitment to its European path while emphasizing national interests. “We’ll pursue our EU agenda, but not at the cost of recognizing Kosovo’s independence or ending our friendships with China and Russia,” he concluded.
