Macut: Adoption of bill amending textbooks law a historic decision

BELGRADE - The Serbian government adopted on Thursday a bill amending the Law on Textbooks - PM Djuro Macut said the move was a historic decision for Serbia, its children and society as a whole.

It is a victory of knowledge, national responsibility and Serbia's sovereign right to educate its children in accordance with its own values and standards, Macut said in a government statement.

Putting key school subjects back into the hands of domestic authors and publishers is not only a legislative amendment, but also a civilisational message that Serbia possesses the strength, will and ability to shape its education sector and its future on its own, Macut noted.

He added that an initiative to amend the law had been met with numerous obstructions, pressure and attempts by those who found the interests of foreign centres of power and profit to be more important than the future of Serbian children.

All those who believe they can subjugate Serbia's youth to their will and personal interests are badly wrong, Macut noted.

Today, Serbia stands upright and determined in its intent to protect what is the most valuable - knowledge, identity and the self-confidence of its young generations, Macut said.

He especially thanked President Aleksandar Vucic for his support, understanding and strong vision, as well as former PM Milos Vucevic for initiating the legislative solution.

They have recognised how important it is for school textbooks of national importance to be in the hands of domestic authors and publishers, Macut added.

"This is a joint success for all of us who believe in a Serbia that knows what it wants, knows how to fight for itself successfully and does not give up on what is right," he said.