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15.06.2006.
FAMILY CIRCLE –
Novi Sad
(Magazine for
Hungarians in Serbia)
EQUALITY FOR ALL IN
MONARCHY
Even in our
country that has survived many temptations and surprises
it was a great surprise for some people when Serbian
Crown Prince Alexandar II Karadjordjevic addressed to
the nation on 24th May 2006. On that day
everybody knew that people of Montenegro after the
referendum on 21st May does not want to
remain in common state with Serbia, and all of us,
living in Serbia, found ourselves in the situation to
call fourth country in just little more than one decade
– “our country”. In that moment, Serbian prince
suggested restoration of the monarchy.
The only son of
King Peter, last Yugoslavian King, thinks that this is
the last opportunity for Serbia to face with itself and
with illusions of the past in order to secure better
future and to decide and make key step for the
restoration of the monarchy. What are his stands, we
will understand from the interview with Serbian Crown
Prince.
Your Royal
Highness, why do you think that independence of
Montenegro is “the golden time” for Serbia to turn the
new page in history and restore constitutional
parliamentary monarchy?
- I was sad
about Montenegro, but now we must work hard and not
loose anymore time so that Serbia gets into in the
European Union. We must immediately fulfil our
international obligations and not continue to be hostage
of indecision because of one individual holding up a
whole nation. The golden time has come for Serbia to
revitalize itself and look at the examples of the
following Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchies like
Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg,
United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia and New
Zealand. We need a new unifying identity and to cease
the political bickering between the top two political
offices in Serbia and this would be provided by a
neutral head of state like in the countries I mentioned.
The prime minister and his democratically elected
government just like in a republic get on with the daily
task of running the country. Serbia would also be much
more politically stable and have a more positive image.
What
arguments are you going to use in order to persuade
political opponents that future of Serbia is more liable
with the King?
- Serbia can be
very successful if we rally around the neutral symbol of
the king in a Constitutional Monarchy and allow the
democratic elected government to steer the country
forward minus bickering and the many political
arguments. We can do it if we go for the example of
Spain who made the transition to democracy from
dictatorship and is now a member of the European Union
and an economic success. Just a few days ago, Spain yet
again spent billions this time buying British Airport
Authority, Serbia could do the same in a few years and
become an economic power in the European Union. We
cannot afford any more petty political arguments our
politicians would do well in a Constitutional
Parliamentary Monarchy in providing good government for
the people minus political conflict at the high level.
Spain is an
example of the country that restored monarchy. Are there
any similarities and differences with Serbia?
- Spain is a
very fine example for Serbia to examine. Spain was a
poor isolated country under a dictatorship for decades
and thanks to the King and his neutrality the democratic
government went ahead with excellent reforms. Today
Spain is a great democracy and economic success both
domestically and internationally. The monarch is the
unifying rallying point and there are democratic
elections just like in a republic how can we not miss
looking at Spain as a example fine example to learn
from.
New
constitution is in preparation. Do you have any
interesting suggestions?
- Yes I
recommend we look ache Spanish Constitution as an
example of a recent modern constitution created at the
end of the last century. We should study it and no not
miss it as an example or else I would say we would be
acting irresponsibly when debating a new constitution.
What would be
the perception of our neighbours, European Union and USA
on restoration of the monarchy in Serbia?
- Positive since
they would immediately recognize the positive effect of
Constitutional Monarchy. Please remember the European
Union has many members that are Constitutional
Parliamentary Monarchies who are working had in hand
with republics in the European Union. The closest ally
to the United States is the United Kingdom and it is a
Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy.
Besides SPO
President Vuk Draskovic, has any other actual politician
declared for the restoration of the monarchy?
- Many
politicians in all political parties are actually
curious and interested in Constitutional Parliamentary
Monarchy. We need to share more information with
everyone and show that the benefits for all political
parties and that that Constitutional Parliamentary
Monarchy is above politics and does not belong to any
political party or owe any favours to any political
party. Everyone should know that there are democratic
elections in a Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy
just like in a republic with the exception of
presidential and imagine the cost saving which is huge.
Do you still
have the support of the Serbian Orthodox Church?
- Yes, I do and
I am happy of the respect and warm friendship of all
religions in our country and ethnics groups. The
Monarchy respects all religions and ethnic origin.
International
media are emphasising lately not only the political and
economy crisis, but also nationalism and clericalism,
that are currently running Serbian society. What is your
point of view regarding those issues?
- There are many
issues to be resolved and all them can be handled once
we have a stable situation minus the bickering.
Stability brings investment and the creation of jobs
thus a calmer situation. I condemn any extremism and
warn that such an uncivilized attitude is a disservice
to Serbia and all citizens, because it will scare off
the investors. We need investors and the social services
will suffer with further economic revival. Serbia needs
stability and cannot afford anymore fanatic antics
You have
stated that you as a monarch could help Serbia in her
international positioning. What conception do you have
in mind?
- I am proud to
have many international connections and the knowledge of
having lived in the west. I would approach my
connections always with the knowledge of the government
to improve international relations. Unfortunately, after
many years of problems Serbia greatly lacks
international connections and technique, this can be
solved.
How can you
legally implement restoration of the monarchy in the
current situation?
- Through a
Constitutional Parliamentary Assembly and the constant
informing of the people what is Constitutional
Parliamentary Monarchy. What happened in 1945 was an
illegal act and this can be put right to benefit our
nation. It is important that politicians and political
parties realize that a Constitutional Parliamentary
Monarch is very favourable for them and all they have to
see the success and how the Constitutional Parliamentary
Monarchies work in the European Union and I am sure they
will be pleased.
Are you
satisfied with the reactions after your statement and
request for the restoration?
- There has been
a lot of nationwide interest, but much more work has to
be done to inform the public.
What is your
comment on the latest pooling results and only 30% of
the positive answers that are for the restoration of the
monarchy? How could you raise the support among the
people, is there going to be any political campaign?
- More
information for the public is needed and more media
involvement is very important. All political parties
need to be involved and partake in the discussion.
Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy belongs to all
political parties and there is no exclusivity.
What do you
consider to be your greatest achievement?
- In the context
of helping our country what I did for our democratic
opposition and organizing conferences for them to feel
at ease with each other and to unite them.
Can you
summarize your five years of life in Serbia?
- An
extraordinarily wonderful gratifying experience to be
finally at home and it was emotional coming to live in
Serbia. I am glad that my wife and I have been of help
in the humanitarian and the investments sectors. We have
seen the people living in very difficult conditions and
recovering from a very hard past. It has been wonderful
travelling all over our country and meeting so many
people.
What kind of
benefits could national minorities, concretely Hungarian
national community, count on in the Kingdom of Serbia?
- Constitutional
Parliamentary Monarchies respect, preserve and defend
human rights, minorities and all religions. This is the
case in all the Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchies.
HUNGARIAN
VERSION
PDF VERSION
dr Celler Tibor
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