Prominent Serbian professor Aleksandar Kavčić has declared that the current government in Serbia will not survive, as a new wave of student-led protests signals a powerful generational push for political change.
In an interview with N1, Professor Kavčić described the student movement as “a clear glass of water” that must remain untainted by political interference from the opposition, which he claims has been unable to unite effectively for years.
“This System Cannot Survive”
Kavčić believes that demographic change will inevitably reshape Serbian politics.
“This system cannot survive. Changes brought about by young people will always happen because it is a demographic change,” said Kavčić. “If today 50% of Serbia supports students, in ten years it will be 70%, because today’s pupils will become young people and new generations will follow.”
Students Demand Change
Thousands of students have been calling for new elections, arguing that something is “seriously wrong” in Serbia. Kavčić emphasized that young people’s calls for change cannot be ignored and warned that suppressing them could have painful consequences.
“It can be painless or very painful. Throughout history, we have had very painful paths of change in government,” Kavčić cautioned.
Targeted for Supporting Students
Kavčić revealed that he has been detained at airports and border crossings since his name was linked to a proposed student electoral list that may compete in the upcoming elections.
“My problems began when it became known who was considered for the student list. They detained me at the airport and at every border crossing,” he explained.
The professor noted that the student list remains unpublished, and he himself does not know if he will be part of it. However, the plan is for these representatives to serve in parliament for 18 months to help guarantee fair and transparent elections.
Opposition Urged Not to Interfere
Regarding calls from the opposition to unite with students, Kavčić urged caution:
“Students are like a clear glass of water. If you put a drop of paint or dirt in it, the whole glass will become cloudy. Why would the opposition now introduce this drop of fog?”
He stressed that while no one can guarantee perfect results, the chance of students failing is minimal, compared to the risk of failure if traditional political actors intervene.
“There is a strong guarantee that if the opposition interferes in the student movement, it will destroy it,” Kavčić warned.
As Serbia heads toward possible early elections, Kavčić and the student movement are calling for an atmosphere that ensures free and fair voting — and they believe the country’s youth will be the catalyst for change.
