Progressives "increasingly likely" to form ruling coalition

The talks between the coalitions led by the SPS and the DS parties to form a government have "hit a snag", DS-allied SDP leader Rasim Ljajic has admitted. The difficulties in the talks between the two coalitions have given rise to speculation that a cabinet formed by the Socialists (SPS) and the Progressives (SNS) is becoming increasingly likely. Progressives "increasingly likely" to form ruling coalition 50 days after the parliamentary elections in Serbia, it remains unclear why the parties that pledged to put together a government immediately in the wake of the voting have been unable to deliver - and they continue to shift the blame. The negotiations have been making "inroads measured in millimeters", Rasim Ljajic told Vecernje Novosti in an interview, and admitted that "practically nothing has been achieved". Although Dacic's SPS and the Democrats (DS) led by Boris Tadic have been allied in the previous government since 2008, their interests now "are obviously diverging", he noted, and added that even a so-called grand coalition between the DS and the SNS was "not impossible at this point". However, noted Ljajic, "it would have to include the SPS". And while Ljajic suggested that the key to a new government in Serbia was now in the hands of the Socialists, this party rejects such assertions, and maintains that the Democrats, and the Progressives, are to blame for the the slow pace of the negotiations. In the meantime, the newspaper writes that the Progressives - led until recently by Serbia's new president, Tomislav Nikolic - have offered Dacic the post of prime minister, and are willing to let him keep the interior ministry portfolio as well. High ranking SPS official Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic reacted to the speculation late on Monday to say that Dacic was not seeking premiership, but that the Progressives "think that he could be the next prime minister". She also added that this issue was "not discussed" with the Democrats. Ivica Dacic himself made a statement for Vecernje Novosti, and when asked whether he was now going to form a coalition with the SNS, said only that he was yet to make any decision. The daily claims that the Progressives and the Socialists have been in constant communication while the latter party was conducting its official talks with the Democrats. Dacic and SNS leader Aleksandar Vucic also spoke on Monday, and these were "the most serious" talks to date, according to the article. Beside their offer to the SPS, the Progressives are also willing to let Mladjan Dinkic and his URS party take "economic portfolios" in a new government. Also unofficially, Boris Tadic - who after losing his May 20 bid to be elected as Serbia's president for a third term, became his party's candidate for prime minister - is willing to let the SPS keep the existing and take two more ministries, while Dinkic could count on the economy, finance, and National Investment Program portfolios. At the same time, "all DS vice-presidents" would be included in executive power - "so that the party can take responsibility for a future economic policy". On Monday afternoon, Aleksandar Vucic hinted at the Progressives "having a chance to form a government", but would not make any direct statements. Dacic and Tadic are seen after a recent round of negotiations (Tanjug, file) B92 Vecernje novosti

Progressives "increasingly likely" to form ruling coalition

50 days after the parliamentary elections in Serbia, it remains unclear why the parties that pledged to put together a government immediately in the wake of the voting have been unable to deliver - and they continue to shift the blame.

The negotiations have been making "inroads measured in millimeters", Rasim Ljajić told Večernje Novosti in an interview, and admitted that "practically nothing has been achieved".

Although Dačić's SPS and the Democrats (DS) led by Boris Tadić have been allied in the previous government since 2008, their interests now "are obviously diverging", he noted, and added that even a so-called grand coalition between the DS and the SNS was "not impossible at this point". However, noted Ljajić, "it would have to include the SPS".

And while Ljajić suggested that the key to a new government in Serbia was now in the hands of the Socialists, this party rejects such assertions, and maintains that the Democrats, and the Progressives, are to blame for the the slow pace of the negotiations.

In the meantime, the newspaper writes that the Progressives - led until recently by Serbia's new president, Tomislav Nikolić - have offered Dačić the post of prime minister, and are willing to let him keep the interior ministry portfolio as well.

High ranking SPS official Slavica Đukić-Dejanović reacted to the speculation late on Monday to say that Dačić was not seeking premiership, but that the Progressives "think that he could be the next prime minister".

She also added that this issue was "not discussed" with the Democrats.

Ivica Dačić himself made a statement for Večernje Novosti, and when asked whether he was now going to form a coalition with the SNS, said only that he was yet to make any decision.

The daily claims that the Progressives and the Socialists have been in constant communication while the latter party was conducting its official talks with the Democrats.

Dačić and SNS leader Aleksandar Vučić also spoke on Monday, and these were "the most serious" talks to date, according to the article.

Beside their offer to the SPS, the Progressives are also willing to let Mlađan Dinkić and his URS party take "economic portfolios" in a new government.

Also unofficially, Boris Tadić - who after losing his May 20 bid to be elected as Serbia's president for a third term, became his party's candidate for prime minister - is willing to let the SPS keep the existing and take two more ministries, while Dinkić could count on the economy, finance, and National Investment Program portfolios. At the same time, "all DS vice-presidents" would be included in executive power - "so that the party can take responsibility for a future economic policy".

On Monday afternoon, Aleksandar Vučić hinted at the Progressives "having a chance to form a government", but would not make any direct statements.