Pro-European Opposition: Gov’t Change, Country’s Europeanization No Longer Separate Processes

Belgrade, panorama (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV)

Representatives of the pro-European opposition in Serbia have said that the current political circumstances in the country are at a crossroads that demand the utmost coordination of all pro-European forces, "because changing the government and Europeanizing the country can no longer be considered separate processes," the Feb. 21 issue of the Danas daily reported.

The People's Movement of Serbia, the Free Citizens Movement, the Serbia Center party, the Freedom and Justice Party and the Green-Left Front recently supported a joint statement on the rule of law, democratic institutions and the fight against corruption and organized crime, an initiative that was supported by the European Democratic Party.

Free Citizens Movement leader Pavle Grbovic said this was a sign that some opposition parties had recognized the importance of the situation Serbia was in.

In addition to the opportunity for political change, he said, there is also an opportunity to speed up the country's progress along its path to the EU, and improve its prospects long-term, the Danas website said. Green-Left Front party co-president Radomir Lazovic said that elevating cooperation among pro-European parties was a logical step after significant, jointly achieved results in the international arena.

Serbia Center party vice-president Slobodan Cvejic said the last two coordinated efforts by the five pro-European parties in the Serbian parliament were the result not just of their clear commitment to joining the EU, but also of the values they shared. People's Movement of Serbia MP Djordje Stankovic said the party was working and advocating for the consolidation of the opposition, but that this did not apply just to pro-European parties, adding that real results could only be achieved if the opposition faced the regime united.