Petrović: Coalition agreement in sight

Justice Minister Dusan Petrovic is sure the ruling parties will soon reach an agreement over contentious issues. Petrovic, from the Democratic Party (DS), told journalists today in the parliament Mondy that intensive discussions were under way over the so-called division of responsibilities – the division of functions within the public enterprises and institutions, as well as the resolution of all matters within the coalition itself. Petrovic: Coalition agreement in sight The minister said potential problems could only pertain to general policy and the direction Serbia should take, adding that, in that event, the citizens would have the final say. "I see no reason why presidential elections shouldn’t be held before the turn of the year," he said. "Constitutional Law is very clear, elections must be called because it’s a good opportunity for the citizens to express their will and make decisions concerning the path Serbia should take, and who should implement that policy," stressed Petrovic. The minister added that he did not know of anyone who "deviates from the principles that the ruling coalition is based on." "Ruling coalition feud helping Radicals" The Serb Radical Party (SRS) is profiting from feuds within the ruling coalition, says Slavisa Orlovic.The political analyst said today that feuds between the Democratic Party (DS) and the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) regarding the scheduling of local and presidential elections were helping the SRS, who always benefit from conflicts between the DSS and the DS. Orlovic also told Novi Sad daily Dnevnik that the conflict regarding the elections also put the ruling coalition in a situation in which they could potentially violate Constitutional Law. “There are three possibilities: to respect Constitutional Law and hold elections, to violate it, or to have it changed, which requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority,” Orlovic said. Asked why every party in Serbia had a different outlook and understanding of Constitutional Law, Orlovic said that “there is no rule of law, and politics are above the law, because the Constitutional Court is being blocked and legalists are no longer legalists.”

Petrović: Coalition agreement in sight

The minister said potential problems could only pertain to general policy and the direction Serbia should take, adding that, in that event, the citizens would have the final say.

"I see no reason why presidential elections shouldn’t be held before the turn of the year," he said.

"Constitutional Law is very clear, elections must be called because it’s a good opportunity for the citizens to express their will and make decisions concerning the path Serbia should take, and who should implement that policy," stressed Petrović.

The minister added that he did not know of anyone who "deviates from the principles that the ruling coalition is based on."

"Ruling coalition feud helping Radicals"

The Serb Radical Party (SRS) is profiting from feuds within the ruling coalition, says Slaviša Orlović.The political analyst said today that feuds between the Democratic Party (DS) and the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) regarding the scheduling of local and presidential elections were helping the SRS, who always benefit from conflicts between the DSS and the DS.

Orlović also told Novi Sad daily Dnevnik that the conflict regarding the elections also put the ruling coalition in a situation in which they could potentially violate Constitutional Law.

“There are three possibilities: to respect Constitutional Law and hold elections, to violate it, or to have it changed, which requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority,” Orlović said.

Asked why every party in Serbia had a different outlook and understanding of Constitutional Law, Orlović said that “there is no rule of law, and politics are above the law, because the Constitutional Court is being blocked and legalists are no longer legalists.”