Former University of Belgrade Dean: Government Undermining University’s Autonomy

Ivanka Popovic (Beta/Milan Obradovic)

Ivanka Popovic – the former dean of the University of Belgrade during whose mandate Finance Minister Sinisa Mali’s PhD was revoked – has expressed her belief that the Administrative Court, to which Mali appealed, will rule in Mali’s favor, thereby undermining the autonomy of the University.

“If education and a society founded on knowledge are truly a priority in our country then it is essential to strengthen post-secondary institutions and build trust in them – not weaken them,” Popovic stated for the July 25 edition of the Danas daily.

Mali appealed to the Administrative Court requesting the annulment of the University decision that stripped him of his PhD. Prior to the appeal, the Administrative Court had ruled that post-secondary institutions are not authorized to re-define the grounds for dismissing lecturers or associates nor to “revoke titles.”