SSP criticizes Serbian Education Minister over religious influence

The Freedom and Justice Party (SSP) has criticized Serbian Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković, accusing him of prioritizing religious ideology over scientific advancement. SSP Presidency member Vladimir Obradović stated that the minister’s focus on the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in education, including proposals to return Jova Gymnasium in Novi Sad to the Church, represents an escape from real educational challenges.

Obradović highlighted a lack of scientific research under the current leadership, noting that the last recorded scientific article in the eNauka system was published in 2018. The SSP proposed an alternative policy including an additional 75 million euros annually for universities and research infrastructure, protection of university autonomy, free textbooks, free school meals, a maximum of 20 students per class, and a minimum teacher salary of 250,000 dinars.

Minister Stanković previously announced plans to establish new higher education institutions and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church within the national education system.