Serbia’s Education Minister Branko Ružić stepped down in the wake of a gun attack at a Belgrade school that left nine people dead, a tragedy reported through TanjuG news services. The resignation marks a definitive turn in the country’s response to a school assault that stunned the capital and raised questions about safety in educational spaces across Serbia. While the announcement came as a shock to many, it also signaled a formal acknowledgment by senior government circles that deep changes in policy and leadership were necessary to confront the crisis and its lasting emotional impact on families, students, teachers, and the wider community.
The minister, after deciding to leave his post, sent a formal letter of resignation to Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. In the letter he offered his heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, underscoring the weight of the moment for the nation. The public record of this message reflects a desire to honor those affected and to stand with the communities that endured unspeakable loss. Observers noted that the tone of the resignation conveyed both sorrow and a sense of accountability for what occurred, a reminder that leadership responsibilities extend beyond administrative duties during moments of national trauma.
Ružić spoke of bearing the memory of the event for life, describing the scene of the crisis and the generations torn apart by grief as an enduring imprint on his soul. He recalled the dramatic images from the day, the tears of mourning shed by parents who faced the incomprehensible loss of their children, and the difficult duty to continue serving while carrying that burden. His words painted a portrait of a public official who sees personal memory as inseparable from public duty, insisting that the sorrow must inform future decisions to prevent similar tragedies. The rhetoric also served to remind the public that the consequences of violence extend far beyond the immediate victims, affecting schools, families, and the social fabric as a whole.
Earlier, Belgrade authorities held commemorations to honor those who lost their lives in the May 3 and May 5 incidents, keeping the memory of the victims in the public consciousness. The ceremonies provided a space for reflection and collective mourning while reinforcing a political resolve to address the underlying drivers of violence. Observers noted the careful balance between honoring the dead and presenting a clear plan for safety improvements in schools and other public institutions. In these moments, the city’s leaders and residents alike sought both solace and practical steps to reduce risk and reassure communities that lessons would be learned from the tragedy.
In the broader national response, President Aleksandar Vucic announced a package of stringent measures aimed at tightening gun control and enhancing security in schools. The president framed the reforms as essential for protecting children and educators, signaling a shift toward stricter enforcement, tighter licensing procedures, and improved on-site security protocols. The policy package includes enhanced screening processes, upgraded surveillance and access control within school facilities, and coordinated efforts across law enforcement and education authorities. While the specifics were debated in public forums, the thrust was clear: a public safety pivot designed to restore public confidence and reduce the likelihood of future incidents.