Controversy over MP's speech at student gathering in Kraljevo: Did students open the door to politicians?

A speech delivered by Member of Parliament Jelena Pavlović at a student gathering in Kraljevo on Vidovdan has ignited a debate about the involvement of politicians in student movements. The appearance has raised questions about whether students are beginning to overlook the political past of those they choose to represent them.

Pavlović, who previously belonged to the "We, the Strength of the People" movement led by Professor Branimir Nestorović, is now an independent MP. Her past support for the Serbian president has not been forgotten by critics. Her presence on stage in Kraljevo has drawn criticism from the opposition and segments of the public sympathetic to the student movement.

Radomir Lazović of the Green-Left Front expressed concern, stating, "This is a mistake! As far as I'm concerned, the students have our support, and we will openly call out any mistake. That's normal, isn't it? That's the kind of society we're fighting for, brother." Miloš Parandilović of Novi Lice Srbije noted, "There were various speakers, but I am not one to interfere with their decisions in any way."

Jelena Pavlović responded to the criticism on the social network X, viewing it as proof that her critics are more concerned with the students themselves than with her participation. "Unlike you 'professional politicians,' I have my calling, which I am proud of. I will gladly help, as much as I can, to clean up the political scene, and this is my small contribution to that goal," she wrote.

Retired Faculty of Political Sciences professor Rade Veljanovski expressed surprise at Pavlović's appearance, attributing it to a "catch-all" strategy to attract all voters, which he believes is misguided. He also criticized the student movement for succumbing to populism and a national narrative, warning that such an approach would not defeat President Vučić. "What I don't like about the student movement right now is that I see it is also succumbing to populism and that national narrative, and anyone who thinks they will defeat Vučić with such a narrative is greatly mistaken," Veljanovski assessed.