Word: djindjic
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Ever since they ousted Slobodan Milosevic two years ago in a popular uprising, Serbs have had trouble finding someone to fill his shoes. The bitter rivalry between Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and Yugoslav federal President Vojislav Kostunica has poisoned the political air, slowed the transition to a free-market economy and paralyzed the machinery of state. It also alienated the electorate. Three times in the past three months, presidential elections - dominated each time by Kostunica - have failed to muster the more than 50% of eligible voters required for a valid ballot. The current office holder, Milan Milutinovic, a relic from...
...recent survey, 50% said they were not satisfied with the direction the government was taking, versus just 14% who were content. Voters are dismayed both by the country's economic troubles and the infighting that has plagued the new leadership, notably between Kostunica and Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, former allies whose rivalry, diplomats say, is blocking reforms. The biggest casualty of Seselj's noisy run may be voter interest. His supporters' fervor is matched only by the disgust of many ordinary Serbs, who see his continued presence as proof that the whole process is tainted. Their failure to vote could...
Moreover, reformists embrace pragmatism and the spirit of cooperation that Serbia is in much need of after decades of failed experiments with strict ideologies. This healthy approach is especially important for issues such as Kosovo. Remarking that “we cannot choose our neighbors,” Djindjic expressed in his characteristically optimistic style the hope that Serbs and ethnic Albanians can reach a maximum of common ground and build upon the common interest to join the E.U. If the countries of the Balkans choose the other path—chain disintegration of borders in the region starting with...
Unlike traditionalists who sing odes to the people in the hope of winning votes, reformists acknowledge that the way to Europe means having to change some Balkan ways. Djindjic pointed out that some 85 percent of Serbians support Yugoslavia’s accession to the E.U., but warned that the majority do not know exactly what that means and what sacrifices are needed to bring Serbia there. Serbia is for the first time dealing practically with a market economy and democracy. Djindjic compared reforms to a surgery—it is necessary, it hurts and people don?...
Serbia needs a victory. We don’t need charismatic leaders as presidents, we need programs and experts; that is what Djindjic and Labus represent, that is the modern Serbia I want to come back to. With the election results coming in, I hope Serbia sticks to that bicycle, pedals hard and looks straight ahead...