An estimated 10,000 students gathered in the centre of Ljubljana on Wednesday, to highlight their belief that a comprehensive set of government-sponsored economic and social reforms would worsen their social situation. They also pointed to the need for a better higher education system.
Miha Ulcar, the head of SOS, said in his address that this is the largest student rally in the history of independent Slovenia. "We have gathered here today because study is not free any more." He warned the government not to "ignore the students and mislead the public." The students expect the government's policy to be responsible and designed for the long-term, while "higher-education measures should not be left to a handful of young economists," he added.
In response, Higher Education Minister Jure Zupan said that he needs a clear list of demands by the students so that the ministry can discuss and evaluate them. It would be good if the students met and discussed their demands, Zupan added.
The rally, dubbed "Black Wednesday", was organised by the Slovenian Students' Organisation (SOS) on Kongresni Square in Ljubljana's centre, and has attracted not only students from Ljubljana but also from Maribor, Kranj and the western Primorsko region.
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