Serbia’s Prime Minister, Miloš Vučević, has announced his resignation following student protests and a violent incident in Novi Sad that left one student critically injured.
Resignation Announcement
Speaking at a press conference, Vučević described his decision to step down as irrevocable, citing the tragic events in Novi Sad as a turning point.
“When I accepted the mandate from the President last April, I felt both pride and responsibility. Despite significant achievements during my term, such as economic growth and improved investment ratings, the tragedy in Novi Sad cast a shadow over everything,” he said.
Vučević expressed disappointment over the politicization of the tragedy and emphasized his government’s transparency in addressing the incident.
Background on the Protests
The protests began after reports of violence against students in Novi Sad. A clash occurred near the Faculty of Philosophy, where some students were injured, with one critically wounded. The students had been protesting for 24 hours, blocking major roads in the capital to demand accountability.
The Prime Minister previously expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with academic representatives to resolve the crisis. However, the escalating tension and violent attacks on students prompted his resignation.
Current Developments
- Students have ended their 24-hour blockade of the highway in response to Vučević’s resignation.
- The academic community remains vocal about addressing systemic issues and ensuring accountability for the violence.
Vučević’s resignation marks a significant shift in Serbian politics amid rising public discontent, with further developments expected as the situation unfolds.