Comments on: Serbia: Kostunica would prefer not to

By: Linda Margaret

Linda Margaret — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:58:21 +0000

I agree. I think that the two candidates are closely aligned. The “radical” presidential candidate has only gained in popularity as his policies adopt stances slightly closer to his rival’s than the party’s more initially radical perspectives.

By: Global Voices Online » Serbia: Kostunica’s Choice

Global Voices Online » Serbia: Kostunica’s Choice — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:58:45 +0000

[...] Fistful of Euros explains why PM Kostunica's refusal to endorse either of the candidates is good for Nikolic and bad for Tadic. Share [...]

By: mijawara

mijawara — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:30:49 +0000

Agreed: this constant manipulation of the European capitals by referring to the spectre of a Radical victory has to stop somewhere, and it might as will be after this crucial vote.

In the end, there is not a single viable policy option available to Nikolic that would not also be considered by Tadic after Kosovo declares independence. If anything, Serbia’s “losing” Kosovo under a Radical presidency might propel democrats in all camps to assume a more liberal–and practical–position on the issue, and start the long walk toward Europe in earnest.

By: Christian

Christian — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:07:19 +0000

At his press conference, Kostunica sort of blamed his coalitian partner Ilic’s refusal for not being able to officially support Tadic. Though perhaps he was just weaseling.

Let me be a bit contrarian: If Tadic wins without DSS support, he will (hopefully) take a more independent stand on some issues. And if Nikolic wins – bad for Serbia, yes, but “fear of a Radical victory” has been a factor in Western policy decisions for way too long now.