Professor: Student movement is a key step against authority in Serbia

University professor Čedomir Čupić views the current student movement as a crucial step forward, marking the first time students are actively mobilizing against authority. He believes this anti-authoritarian stance is vital for Serbia's future, warning against the dangers of personality cults that can arise when individuals gain power.

Čupić advocates for a process of "lustration" for all individuals who held positions in executive and legislative branches, from the national to local levels. He argues that these individuals should be barred from future elections due to the significant harm they have caused. While citizens should retain the right to vote, those who have served in power should not be eligible to hold office again.

He also stressed the importance of limiting mandates for the highest government positions. Čupić suggests a single five-year term for the president, a single term for the prime minister, and a maximum of two terms for ministers within the same ministry. He believes that term limits prevent individuals from causing extensive damage once in power.

Observing a recent student gathering in Kraljevo, Čupić noted a deviation from the movement's principles when a member of parliament spoke. While not opposed to opposition figures speaking, he questioned whether this marked a new inclusivity for political opposition at student rallies. Despite this, he sees the regional gatherings as a sign that participants are becoming more aware and preparing for potential elections.

Čupić explained that the student marches began out of necessity due to restricted information flow in Serbia, allowing people in various regions to see that dissent was occurring. He criticized the government's attempts to mimic these protests, calling them unimaginative. He also alleged that attendees at a recent Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) rally were coerced or attended out of self-interest, contrasting this with the genuine motivations he perceives in the student movement.