Protest at Medical Faculty as Council Decides on Dean Candidacy Amid Disqualification Claims

Students organized a protest outside the Faculty of Medicine ahead of a council meeting to confirm Milica Bajčetić's candidacy for dean. The meeting was scheduled for 11 a.m.

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One candidate, according to the students, was discriminated against due to her age and removed from this election.

According to an N1 reporter, a rival candidate, Dr. Vesna Mikanović Bjegović, was reportedly removed from the race due to her age. This decision is contested, as Mikanović Bjegović had secured the support of 70% of the faculty's departments. The issue was escalated to the Rectorate, which advised her reinstatement, but the acting dean, Milena Todorović Balint, and the Council president allegedly opposed this, accusing the rector of jeopardizing legal certainty and legality.

Students assert that Mikanović Bjegović, who supported them during the past 19 months, was discriminated against and removed from the election based on age. Mikanović Bjegović has formally requested the council to reconsider her candidacy. The Faculty Council will make the final decision after the Nastavno-naučno veće (NNV) meeting.

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The acting dean Milena Todorović Balint and the president of the Council disputed this, accusing the rector of jeopardizing legal certainty and legality.

Furthermore, students allege that a student organization changed 17 members of the council just 24 hours before the session to guarantee specific voting outcomes. They claim the disqualified candidate was a supporter of student initiatives.

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Students claim that one student organization changed 17 members of this council 24 hours before this session to ensure safe votes.