In response to growing anti-corruption protests, the Serbian government has announced that schools across the country will close for winter break a week earlier than planned, The Guardian reports.
Early School Closures Amid Protests
Education Minister Slavica Đukić Dejanović stated that primary and secondary schools would close on Tuesday instead of December 30. The move was justified by concerns over safety and maintaining educational standards amid ongoing demonstrations.
Widespread Unrest
The protests, initially concentrated in universities, have begun spreading into the secondary education sector. The demonstrations target alleged corruption within the government of nationalist President Aleksandar Vučić.
Government’s Strategy
This early closure decision is seen as a measure to prevent the unrest from further infiltrating the educational system. However, critics argue it highlights the government’s struggle to address the underlying grievances fueling the protests.
As anti-government sentiment rises, Serbia faces mounting pressure to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining public order and addressing citizens’ demands for transparency and accountability.
