Byzantine Blog

New Government at Hand

Agreement in principle has been reached earlier today by the new coalition between the Serbian Radical Party (SRS), Premier Kostunica's Democratic coalition (DSS-NS) and the coalition gathered around Ivica Dacic's Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS-PUPS-JS). After the tripartite meeting which lasted more than two and half hours, held at DSS headquarters, representatives of Socialists and Radicals issued a statement, announcing that new coalition was agreed in principle regarding the formation of the new Government, RTS reports.

Coalition of Radicals with Kostunica's Democrats and the Socialists

SPS leader Ivica Dacic said to the press after the meeting that SRS and DSS-NS have accepted SPS' social justice principle and that the talks concerning the finalizing of the coalition agreement will be continued tomorrow. Forming of the Government and majority in the Parliament is expected to be completed upon signing of the coalition agreement, he said. When asked why is he traveling to Russia, leader of the SPS responded he is meeting with Sergei Miranov, the president of Just Russia Party.

Serbian Radical Party: No Obstacles Ahead

Vice President of SRS Gordana Pop-Lazic told media that all that remains is the technical part of the work regarding coalition agreement, since the five principles have been adopted by all three sides and the agreement has been reached. "There is a great chance that majority in the parliament will be formed", she said, and when asked what is the greatest obstacle, Pop-Lazic responded: "There are no obstacles". Appointments and positions were not discussed, she added. Asked whether it was possible that forming of the coalition after the elections could be prevented by President Boris Tadic and DS, as he has announced, Pop-Lazic responded, "surely not, and most certainly not by any democratic means".

Kostunica's Democrats: National Politics for Preservation of Serbia's State Interests

Coalition representatives from SRS, DSS-NS and SPS-PUPS-JS have achieved agreement concerning the principles of forming the National Government of Serbia at their first tripartite meeting, which will be a foundation for continuation of the talks in regards to confirming the coalition agreement in order to constitute the Parliament majority and establish the new Serbian Government. DSS spokesman Andreja Mladenovic told the media that the agreement on the new Government composition includes SRS, DSS-NS and SPS-PUPS-JS, Bosniac's list and politically non-aligned persons, representing national politics of preservation of Serbia's state interests.

The Five Principles of the New Coalition Government

National Government, as stated, has five crucial goals representing the foundation of the future program and work of the Government.

The first goal is based on Constitutional obligation of all the state institutions, the Government of Serbia before anyone else, to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country -- preservation of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia. The Government of Serbia responsibility also includes preservation of Republic of Srpska, based on Dayton Accord of which Serbia is the guarantor.

The second goal of national Government is strong economical and regional growth of Serbia, including the major investments, such as construction of the Horgos-Pozega highway, South Stream gas pipeline as agreed with the Russian Federation, Corridor Ten, Corridor Seven, Electrical Power Plant Djerdap 3, as well as incresed investments in development of economy, especially the agriculture, Energy and Traffic Department, increasing the employment opportunities, and the general development of the state economy.

The third goal of national Government, as stated, is implementation and realization of social justice issues, which means changing the existing laws and legislating the new ones regarding pension and health care. Mentioned changes would guarantee the average pension payout not to be bellow 70 percent of average earnings, new method of harmonizing the pensions with the wages, and guarantee that the lowest pension must be higher than the employment insurance. Immediately after its constitution, the Government should increase the existing pensions for 10 percent and pay out all the outstanding payments to retirees. Part of the plan involves modification and amending of the Health Care Act, which would guarantee free health care for all citizens, as well as to modify and amend, or to create a new Labor Act, with an aim to improve the rights and status of the workers. As part of this third goal the education should be free and available to all.

The fourth goal of national Government is that Serbia, as a whole, with the province of Kosovo and Metohija as its integral part, continues on the path of the European integrations and harmonization of national legislations with those of the EU.

The fifth goal of national Government involves a decisive struggle against all forms of corruption and crime, and consistent implementation of all legal norms and principles of a statehood based on law, as stated in the report.

Light at the End of Tunnel

Let us hope and pray that this is yet another step in the right direction, for protecting and preserving Serbian state and Serbian people everywhere, from the legions of enemies both abroad and, sadly, at home. It is an issue of the bare survival for the Serbian nation, when rule of law and justice have been erased by the global fascist elite throughout the world, on all the continents. We wish our elected leaders gathered around this patriotic coalition will stand strong and united, never again allowing any outside power to meddle to the point of divisions, occupation and outright colonization of Serbia.