“Slobodna Dalmacija”
Bisera Lusic

EXCLUSIVE: INTERVIEW WITH CROWN PRINCE ALEKSANDAR II KARADJORDJEVIC

I worked against Milosevic’s dictatorship

I don’t think the states established after the collapse of Yugoslavia will ever gather in a union that used to exist. Our joint state will be European Union one day, it is in the interest of all the countries in the region

After his father, King Petar II died, Crown Prince Aleksandar II Karadjordjevic decided not to take the Royal title formally, but he never renounced his right to the Throne. Soon after Milosevic was extradited to the Hague, the Royal Family came back to Serbia, without, as they say the intention to proclaim monarchy over night, without national consent. In the exclusive interview for our magazine, Aleksandar II spoke about his role in Serbia, his ambitions and plans.

How do you see your role in Serbia?

We came her to give, not to take from anyone. We have traveled a lot all over the country and talked to the people, we want to get to know the situation in the country well. Over the years, since 1989 to the present day, I have had the opportunity to meet the politicians who are in power today, with the politicians from all over ex-Yugoslavia, so I am well informed. But, it is a different experience when you live here, that experience is priceless, for you live among people, you travel, you meet them and you learn about the situation on the field. You realize what is going on and what is to be done for a better future of everyone.

How did the people accept you? Are you satisfied with the support?

They accepted me very, very warmly. The people are wonderful. My main life principle has always been the same, and that is to accept all people, of all religions, of all nationalities, of all political views except those extreme ones and the ones that do not respect democratic conduct. The relationship with the people has been very good. I travel a lot and talk to the people and listen to what is troubling them. That is very important.

Survival

What, in your opinion, are Serbia’s priorities?

The main priority not only for Serbia and Montenegro, but for the whole region as well, is for people to survive, to have jobs, social, health and pension care, and to have a better future. We are all in it together. The priority is to give people jobs, and governments have a huge commitment there. The politicians in the region have to be very careful on that issue, and have to take that task very seriously. It is of vital importance for the development of the countries in the region.

What do people most often complain about?

People say they want reforms, and they want them quickly, they want jobs, improvements, they want foreign investors. They openly say: When you come back to Belgrade, say a word for us, tell the foreigners to come and to invest. People want to have hope.

Are you familiar with how common people live?

Why, yes, of course! I have an excellent dialogue with the people. My wife is very active in providing for the health care system and improving the situation in hospitals. It is a great responsibility, but to improve social and health care in the country, economy must start functioning first.

You point at the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, as an example. Why?

He is, above all, a very charming person, very close to his people. When he became the King, he wanted to strengthen democracy. I have learned a lot from him. He respected all democratic forces and I believe we can learn much from Spanish experience. The King is the central figure, meaning that he is the factor of unity. He is the meeting point. Without constitutional monarchy, Spain would fall apart into several smaller countries, but through the King it kept its unity. I think we could that too, use that positive approach. But the Government is chosen by the people at the elections, and it is the one to make decisions on everyday level, and it has an immense responsibility politically wise.

King Simeon

Isn’t the example of King Simeon of Bulgaria, who is at the moment the Prime Minister in his country, closer to you? Are you not interested in such a position?

Bulgaria is a specific case. King Simeon has brought such a decision, he has accepted the function, people have supported him. Of course, I wish him all the best. But it is my opinion that if you are the King, then you should stay out of the politics. I say that about my country. I mentioned that the King is there for everyone, and he respects democratically elected government, but the opposition as well. The King, however, does not involve into politics and is not a member of any political party. It can’t happen that the King tells to the Prime Minister how he didn’t like some of his moves. No, it does not work that way! One can always talk, and it is preferable to do so, but the Prime Minister is the head of the government and one must always respect that.

But, do politicians ask for your advice?

We have friendship. Since 1989, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, I have been lucky enough to make very close and friendly relationships with the politicians who are in power today. I have been promoting their democratic principles and worked against Slobodan Milosevic’s dictatorship. I think the people deserve respect, and not dictatorship. Those politicians today bring decisions on how to run the country.

How do you see the procedure of normalization the relationships between the countries of this region?

I encourage as many meetings as possible between the representatives of these states in order to develop the process. We are all in it. That’s right, the states have separated and become independent, but we still share the destiny in this small region of ours, and if we want to survive we must cooperate with one another. I am for the free trade zone in the region, and for the complete freedom of travel. My opinion is that visas regime should be abandoned. We must let the people travel and do business without any obstacles.

Let us put hatred behind us

Is there any real danger for South-East European countries to join together politically again?

Our joint state will be European Union one day. We must respect the heritage each state in the region has and put hatred behind us. There must not be any revenge, but only respect for all religions and all ethnic communities. I don’t think these countries will ever gather in a country tat used to exist earlier. All the states in the region are looking towards EU and that is their goal. That is in the interest of everybody.

While you lived in London, you were seeing politicians from ex-Yugoslavia, among others, from Croatia, too. Can you tell us who came to see you?

No, times have changed. But, I have met many democratically oriented people who came to make contact and to exchange opinions. There were many of them, and those talks had great importance for me. That is why I insist on the talks and dialogue.

Has any of Milosevic’ men ever contacted you?

No, never. But they played many games. They totally went by the “divide and rule” principle, and that was not a pleasant experience. I wished to bring better times for our people and to initiate democratic processes, but at that moment that was not possible.

What do you think about Milosevic?

I think we should look at the period of his rule as at the sad times, sad days for all of us. Many people behaved very badly in ex-Yugoslavia and I insist there were no angels, and that the time of dictators is gone, it is behind us. Now is the time for democracy and hope, creating new jobs and moving forward.

Dubrovnik’s guest

When did you last visit Croatia?

I was in Dubrovnik this summer. The town is beautiful! I stayed shortly because my wife and I were on a cruise with her parents. It was a great opportunity for us to be together, with no phone calls and alike. We spent one day in Dubrovnik and truly is wonderful.

Does your family have any possessions in Croatia?

No.

And in Slovenia?

We have some estate there, just like in Serbia and Montenegro. In democratic societies, the right to ownership is a normal matter and it should be resolved peacefully and in agreement with the governments of those countries. It can all be settled, without disturbing anybody. I didn’t come here to evict or throw out anybody. It has never crossed my mind. Dedinje compound was empty and we invested a lot to renovate it and put it in function.

Once, when you were asked if you would be crowned when you return to Serbia, you said that democracy should be crowned first. Is it your turn now?

It is very important to establish, that is, to crown democracy. There is no rush in establishing constitutional monarchy. I did not come here to apply shock therapy, but to meet the people, to talk to them, to share with them. There are no instant solutions. The story of constitutional monarchy is a process and it can happen in different ways, step by step. And I am not a threat to anyone, but only a contribution.