Giaufret: Opposition Should Take up Its Role in Parliament

Emanuele Giaufret speaking at the panel discussion “Thessaloniki Enthusiasm – 20 Years Later” (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)

Head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret told BETA on March 16 that the opposition should take up its role and functions in the new parliament, adding that the timely, inclusive and transparent implementation of the ODIHR's recommendations before any future election must become a priority for Serbia.

"The parliament is finalizing the inauguration process and could soon pick a leadership and permanent bodies and delegations. In that context, we expect the opposition to assume its role and relevant parliamentary functions in line with the usual practices of a parliamentary democracy. We hope that, by its presence in the parliament and by assuming these functions, the opposition will contribute to the acceleration of the process of EU membership and the reform agenda," Giaufret said.

He added that, at the same time, "the timely, inclusive and transparent implementation of the ODIHR's recommendations before any future election must remain a priority for Serbia."

Serbian MPs are poised to resume the inaugural session of Serbia's 14th parliament on March 18. Parliament's leadership and the members of working bodies will be appointed. A motion for hitherto Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to become speaker of the parliament entered parliamentary procedure earlier.