Students at the University of Niš report that the Faculty of Philosophy has not received necessary budget appropriations, threatening staff salaries and operations.

Students blocking the University of Niš have announced that staff at the Faculty of Philosophy are concerned due to a lack of approved budget appropriations. Without these authorizations, the institution cannot access funds already allocated to it in the state budget, jeopardizing regular operations and the payment of employee salaries.

Uncertainty Over Salary Payments

According to a statement shared on social media, there is currently no official information regarding if or when the appropriations will be approved. Staff members are particularly concerned about the upcoming August payment cycle, which is intended to cover salaries for July.

Disparities Among Faculties

Employees report that other faculties have already received their appropriations for the next three months, raising questions as to why the Faculty of Philosophy is being denied access to its allocated funds. Students involved in the blockade stated that the faculty has been at the center of various political and institutional disputes for months, and they argue that this financial delay increases pressure on the institution.

Calls for Equal Treatment

The student statement emphasized that higher education should not be subject to political pressure or financial penalties. They asserted that the state is obligated to ensure the smooth and equal functioning of all higher education institutions without selective withholding of funds.