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31.05.2006. INTERVIEW OF HRH ALEXANDER II TO VECERNJE NOVOSTI DAILY In the White Palace, with HRH Alexander Karadjordjevic, few days after the announcement of monarchy restoration in Serbia CROWN OF THE FIFTH REPUBLIC
I am sad, very sad because our brothers from Montenegro separated, because they are walking on their own path. But, now, we Serbs are walking on our own path towards EU as well, and that path is shorter, and more perspective. We are closer to Europe with king as a head of the state! Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic is more convinced than ever that this is the last, and at the same time, crucial moment for Serbia to turn over the new page of the history. To make a decision towards a big political move and publicly appeal to the Serbian politicians for the restoration of the Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy Crown Prince decided after the results of the Montenegro Referendum. The decision of the majority in Montenegro, he considers as the will of the citizens and he supports it, but, he insists on the brotherhood and the common blood that he can sense in his veins. Normal atmosphere can be sensed in the Royal Palace, with no signs of the euphoric political campaign. Crown Prince says that he will not have a classical campaign, while there is no fund for such thing, but, there is a plan for networking with one clear goal ahead: to help people of Serbia comprehend the benefits of the Monarchy that he is urging for. With our remark that it is easier with the people, we are asking HRH Alexander II what arguments he will use to persuade political opponents that future of Serbia is more reliable with the king. Crown prince insists on conversation in Serbian language and explains why the monarch holds the key for the front doors of Europe. He also says that the people are tired of constant political bickering, problems, poverty and empty promises. - Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy is a good solution for the creation of better image in Serbia and in the world – says Alexander Karadjordjevic – king is the head of state. He is the centre for reconciliation of all political opponents. Monarch does not have exclusivity for any political party, he respects them all, and he is not the member of any. And that is the reason why the kingdoms are so stabile. In modern kingdoms, Assembly and the Government are elected on normal elections, just like in republic. As a good example he is naming Spain, which has been resurrected by the king to the path of success and respect after decades of problems. - It is well known that there are some strong debates in British Parliament. But, it doesn’t mean that political opponents are enemies who hate and despise each other. I would love if our politicians, just like pragmatic Brits, finish their day after passionate debates in one of the pubs, with glass of bear or martini. Monarchy is more cost-effective. Presidential elections in Serbia are organized every four years, and they are followed with an expensive campaign, with a lot of people involved, with huge costs… Disappointed with inheritance of the 5th October changes, Crown Prince says that there is no time to waist and that “the time has come”! Answering to the question if someone talked him into the idea of the monarchy restoration or if it is a result of detailed political analysis, son of the last Yugoslav king says that the idea is logical one while there have been little of good results as an outcome of democratic changes in Serbia. - I strongly believe in Constitutional Kingdom of Serbia that is proud and strong again, Serbia that is in peace with itself and with its neighbours. Too much blood has been spilled and strength wasted, too much reputation has been lost. In the royal surrounding, in the impressive office of Crown Prince with impressive library, Alexander Karadjordjevic speaks about government representatives with manners of a gentleman. Not questioning the great respect and the friendship that he has for President Tadic and Prime Minister Kostunica, he criticizes the lack of their agreements. - I have expected to see lines of investors on the Surcin airport – he says. – But, our economy is not our strong side; we are still financially unstable country, risky for investment. I would like Serbia to become soon a country of happy people and peace. Almost all the countries in our surrounding are either members of EU or on the doorsteps of the European family. I don’t want Serbia to be the meat in the sandwich. Opponents objections that monarchy is old-fashioned, conservative, exceeded, feudal creation and that divided Serbia does not need more dividing, Crown Prince is commenting with the statement that Kingdom of Serbia would attract new investments, improve economic growth, secure social system, pensions, education and employment. That is why Serbia is facing new challenge – birth of the new nation that respects itself, and is respected abroad as well. Numerous meetings with members of other royal families throughout Europe and the world, strong relationships and the respect for Karadjordjevic family he finds important in the raising awareness of the people that suffered and that is unfortunately in the “second class” of European nations. - I find the support of Serbian Orthodox Church very important – says Prince. – Our family has extraordinary relations with representatives of all religious communities in the country that also see Serbia as constitutional parliamentary monarchy. Talking about networking as an alternative to the campaign, Crown Prince says that it is actually, field work. - During my numerous visits throughout Serbia people are asking me different questions about monarchy. It is most important for them to know that the crown is good for democracy as well, because it strengthens democracy, and reconciles all sides. That is why we will try to get closer to the common people on the field and convince them that the king is above the daily politics that is the guardian of the national unity and continuity of the state. FOR KING It is not true that only 20 % of Serbs are for the monarchy. We have no money to organize large pooling, but I guarantee that 30 % of Serbs are for king, and other 30 % that are not sure on which side they would like to be. SUPPORT Young Prince’s Peter, Filip and Alexander supported father’s idea for the restoration of monarchy. Their support combined with the support of Princess Katherine mean a lot to the Crown Prince. SERVANT To the comment that his statement “I want to serve my people” is nothing more than ideological phrase, Crown Prince says that he is truly proud of his country and that he want’s to serve it. |
