Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has publicly addressed why student protesters have repeatedly rejected his calls for dialogue. He attributes their refusal to a hidden political agenda, claiming the student movement is orchestrating a “colored revolution” to take power. The President insists that their focus has shifted from initial demands for justice to political aims.
Key Reasons for Refusal
At a recent press conference, Vučić outlined three main reasons for the students’ refusal to engage in talks:
- Hiding Identity: He stated that the protesters are “people without faces” and that if they were to engage in public dialogue, the public “would not like” who they are.
- Lack of Program: He claimed the students have no clear program or policy to discuss.
- Avoiding Questions: Vučić believes the protesters are unable to answer tough questions on sensitive topics, such as the issue of Kosovo.
The Broader Political Context
The President has offered dialogue on multiple occasions, including a formal written invitation to the University that was rejected. He argues that the student movement’s goal has transitioned from seeking justice to a purely political one. In response to his recent call for televised debate, the students released a statement saying there is only one topic for discussion: Vučić must call for snap parliamentary elections.
He also used the platform to condemn the sharing of a student’s private photos, and confirmed an agreement with school unions to ensure the new school year will begin on time.
