Serbia Re-Elects President Tadic

Pro-western Boris Tadic won re-election as Serbia’s president with a 51% majority over the week-end. He defeated Tomislav Nikolic, a nationalist with a more pro-Russian attitude. The victory for Mr. Tadic brings Serbia closer to EU membership.

In his victory speech, Mr. Tadic said, “I congratulate all the citizens of Serbia on us being a European democracy. We have shown to many EU member countries the democratic potential of this country.” That potential will be tested in the coming weeks when Kosovo declares its independence from Serbia.

Both Mr. Tadic and Mr. Nikolic oppose that declaration, but the former has promised not to use force to prevent it. The latter refused to do so, and had he been elected, the Balkans would be on the edge of war again.

Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, seemed truly relieved by the result. He spoke to President Tadic and said, “Your victory comes at a critical moment for Serbia and for the western Balkans. I am confident that Serbia will continue to play a constructive role in facing up to current challenges and in ensuring stability in the region. "We wish to accelerate Serbia’s progress towards the European Union.”

Mr. Nikolic accepted his loss and stated, “I will remain to be his tough opposition.” For now, everyone is playing by the rules. One can only hope it stays that way when Kosovo makes its move.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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