Ivanka Popovic (BetaPhoto/Milan Obradovic)
According to Ivanka Popovic, a member of the ProGlas (ProVote) initiative and professor of the Belgrade University School of Technology and Metallurgy, Serbia’s society has split into two factions: those who believe that violence is completely normal, and those who believe violence cannot be the solution and that state institutions should do their job.
In an interview for the latest edition of the Vreme weekly, Popovic claimed that the country is suffering a civilizational rift and that it is patently obvious which side one should favor.
Discussing the ongoing university student blockades and the regime’s call for a dialogue, Popovic stated that the students should not talk to representatives of the regime but with the representatives of various levels of the judiciary and prosecution.
The professor explained that the students have been more than clear in their demands. Therefore, there is no particular need for negotiations.
In her opinion, it is also irrelevant who comprises or leads the Cabinet. “The resignation of Serbian prime minister Milos Vucevic is a move that can impress solely those who support the ruling party – and no one else,” said Popovic.
Popovic further expressed her surprise over the regime’s inability to handle what is happening in the country, which is in stark contrast to how the authorities have controlled the public sphere so far.
“We have seen a lot of uncontrolled rage on their part. These actions are so hasty and impulsive that they beg the question of whether or not [the authorities] are aligned with the advice they are getting from their PR experts. I believe not, but I assume our president [Aleksandar Vucic] is also taking all this personally,” the professor said.
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