“VESTI”, 27 January 2004

 

CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II KARADJORDJEVIC ABOUT THE CURRENT POLITICAL MOMENT

 SERBIA HAS NO TIME TO WASTE

 

Princ Aleksandar

● Have you ever heard of a country in modern Europe without head of state and a new government following elections of nearly a month before, says Crown Prince Alexander
● Without a plan we are in trouble
● Don’t forget the urgent need for a new constitution
● Note that the monarch is for all political parties and the unifier 

- Think of the people of Serbia who are looking for direction and jobs. No more delay. Our people need a government for the people and one that is united and all members of parliament working for the best national interests of Serbia and its survival as modern democratic state. We cannot waist any more time. Our place is in Europe as a modern democratic state respecting its entire people. The task ahead is big – says “respectfully to all members of parliament”, Crown Prince Alexander the Second Karadjordjevic before today’s constitutive session of the new Parliament of the Republic of Serbia. 

We talk to His Royal Highness about the current political moment in Serbia, the hot atmosphere of party negotiations and the four democratic options for the Parliament Speaker, and then the new executive power, the Government of the Republic of Serbia.  

Monarchy is in the people’s minds  Your Royal Highness, what is your comment on the fact that the parties that supported monarchy during the election campaign, now keep silent about it?  Every political party can say as they wish. What I will say is that parliamentary monarchy is very much in the people’s minds, but it has to be a uniting force now a dividing one. The most important matter is that we must have as soon as possible a government and then solve all the numerous issues in a disciplined manner with destroying each other and working against national interests. We all want to be proud and strong.

 

• In your opinion, is there a possibility for the new Parliament to endure and elect the new Government, or are we facing new elections?

My hope is that the present painful situation our people are faced with can be resolved without any further delay. Without a plan we are in trouble. We are on the verge of a parliamentary seating and there must be a direction emerging. Either way a coalition or new elections is alright with me, but let’s end the delay. The sad thing is for our people who need jobs, a future and to survive. Have you ever heard of a country in modern Europe without head of state and a new government following elections of nearly a month ago?  

• Considering that the so far negotiations on the new Government have been very difficult and uncertain, would it be, in your opinion, better for the future Serbian Government if this Parliament was proclaimed for the Constitutional Assembly, passed monarchy Constitution and reestablished monarchy, and what are the chances of such endeavor?

It is an interesting option you mention that has historical precedence with the return of King Peter I in 1904. What we need is a parliament body ready to do business and the understanding broadly of all members what is parliamentary monarchy and what is parliamentary republic. Don’t forget the urgent need for a new constitution and I recommend we examine the experience of the Spanish one. Note that the monarch is for all political parties and the unifier so to go into a presidential style political campaign might be counter productive, but we must keep our minds open.  

R. Loncar