Pro-Sanctions Minister May Found Own Political Party

Rade Basta (BETAPHOTO/Ministry of Economy/Lasta)

Serbian Minister of the Economy Rade Basta, who recently publicly supported introducing sanctions on Russia, told the March 30 edition of the Nova daily that, despite being a member of United Serbia, he may form a political organization of his own. If he chooses to do so, Basta said, the public will be notified in due time, adding that his new party would be called “Serbia’s European Path and [would] enter the elections on all levels.”

Commenting on how his fellow-ministers responded to his suggestion of sanctions – voiced during the latest session of Cabinet – Basta stated that “they reacted negatively or offered different opinions.” “Some kept silent. Whether it was silent support, I don’t know. Time will tell,” the minister said.

Asked whether he is the only minister in favor of levying sanctions against Russia – or, perhaps, merely the only one brave enough to publicly take such a stance – Basta acknowledged that “being brave sometimes means being foolhardy,” but that he is “not afraid of sacrificing for his people.” Responding to accusations that his support for the sanctions is, in fact, a way for President Aleksandar Vucic to “test the waters” of public opinion, Basta said that “people see what they want to see.”