Ana Brnabić, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, has publicly criticized Vladan Đokić, the Rector of the University of Belgrade, over his comments that likened the unpaid wages he is experiencing to historical occupations during World War I and World War II. In a statement made on the social media platform X, Brnabić highlighted that Đokić has not attended his workplace for six months and questioned his continued position at the university.

She stated, 'I do not even know if he is still in office or if students have converted Captain Miša’s Building into a hostel, tavern, or disco club.'

Brnabić's remarks followed Đokić's assertion that the government has exerted pressure on the academic community, during which he compared his situation to that of Serbia during its historical occupations.

He claimed that the university had endured such challenges in the past, asserting that it had never faced what he described as 'systematic undermining by the authorities in his homeland.'

In her response, Brnabić emphasized the significant losses Serbia faced during the two world wars.

According to her, during World War I, Serbia lost a third of its total population, while World War II was marked by genocide and other atrocities against the Serbian people.

She pointed out that Đokić’s comparison trivializes these historical events.

Furthermore, Brnabić accused Đokić of transforming the university into a political platform, alleging that he had turned amphitheaters into electoral headquarters and had taken students hostage to exert pressure on the government.

'He has occupied and privatized state property,' she remarked.

Rektor Đokić's statements and Brnabić’s subsequent reaction illustrate the ongoing tensions between the academic community and government authorities in Serbia, highlighting concerns about academic freedom and institutional governance.