Comments on: Serbia: Kostunica would prefer not to http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to/ European Opinion Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:53:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Linda Margaret http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to/#comment-18553 Linda Margaret Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:58:21 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to#comment-18553 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. 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 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to/#comment-18548 Global Voices Online » Serbia: Kostunica’s Choice Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:58:45 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to#comment-18548 [...] Fistful of Euros explains why PM Kostunica's refusal to endorse either of the candidates is good for Nikolic and bad for Tadic. Share [...] [...] 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 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to/#comment-18547 mijawara Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:30:49 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to#comment-18547 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. 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 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to/#comment-18543 Christian Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:07:19 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/governments-and-parties/serbia-kostunica-would-prefer-not-to#comment-18543 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. 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.

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