In 1991 and 1992, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Macedonia seceded from Yugoslavia. Serbia and Montenegro chose to stay in the federation and on April 27 1992 in Belgrade, passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia thus making Serbia and Montenegro the formal successors to Yugoslavia and gaining international legitimacy.
The FRY is a federal state composed of two federal
units and possessing power and institutions in the legislative, executive
and judicial branches. The highest representative and legislative
body of the federation is the Federal Assembly which is made up of the
Chamber of Citizens and the Chamber of Republics. Executive power
lies with the President of the Republic (elected by the people) and the
Federal Government (elected by the Federal Assembly). Legislative
power rests with the Federal Court, the Federal Attorney General and the
Federal Constitutional Court.
Makeup of the Serbian Government
Prime Minister (1)
Deputy Prime Ministers (5)
Secretary General (1)
Ministers: Minister of Internal
Affairs
Minister of Finance and Economy
Minister of Justice
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management
Minister of Economy and Privatization
Minister of Energy and Mining
Minister of Transport and Telecommunications
Minister of Construction and Urban Planning
Minister of Trade, Tourism and Services
Minister of International Economic Relations
Minister of Labor and Employment
Minister of Social Affairs
Minister of Science, Technology and Development
Minister of Social Affairs
Minister of Education and Sport
Minister of Culture
Minister of Religion
Minister of Local Self-Government
Minister of Health
Minster of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection
For a more comprehensive list of the members of the Serbian government
see: http://www.serbia.sr.gov.yu/cms/view.php?id=1119
Constitutional and legislative power in Serbia rests with
the National Assembly of Serbia, consisting of a president, vice-presidents,
secretary and 250 deputies which are elected for four year terms.
Deputies are elected in multi-party elections and given immunity.
Executive power in Serbia is made up of the President and the ministers
which are elected by the deputies in Parliament. The judicial branch
is independent.
The Parties
Democratic Opposition of Serbia - (DOS) coalition madeup of: Democratic Party of Serbia, Democratic Alternative, Democratic Party, New Democracy, Movement for Democratic Serbia, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians, League of Vojvodina Social-Democrats, Civil Alliance of Serbia, Social-Democracy, Christian Democratic Party of Serbia, Reform Democratic Party of Vojvodina, Association of Free and Independent Trade Unions, New Serbia, League for Sumadija, Democratic Center, Social-Democratic Union, Coalition Vojvodina and Sandzak Democratic Party. The current Prime Minister and most of the Parliament is from this party. They support a “government of great reforms and energetic action” such as working toward admission to the EU within 10 years, are against NATO intervention in Kosovo, and are committed to removing all traces of the old regime. They are working towards a market economy, privatization, de-nationalization, and power de-centralization. Program of the Democratic Government.
Socialist Party of Serbia - in 1999 this party claimed to be a modern European social democratic party which supported political freedom, market economy, and a social welfare state. Yet in practice there was little political freedom and the state was a virtual dictatorship.
Serbian Radical Party - right wing party founded by ultra-nationalist Vojislav Seselj who is known for using violence as a tool in political struggle. He insults opponents, twists thier words, and makes false accusations. Seselj has even pulled a gun on a group of students and has publicly promised in 1993 to kill Muslims with "rusty spoons."
Party of Serbian Unity - an extreme right party founded by murdered paramilitary Zeljko Raznatovic (aka Arkan). Now a coalition madeup of: Party of Serbian Unity, Party of Serbian Progress, United Pensioners' Party and Peasants' Party of Serbia.
Serbian Renewal Movement - led by Vuk Draskovic.
A national party because of its belief in the power of Serbian tradition
and faith, which helped Serbian people survive a tumultuous history. They
support liberal principles like a free market and fought against communist
dictatorship in support of a democratic multiparty system and greater European
integration. For ten years (the 1990s) it was the strongest opposition
to the regime, yet consequently, sustained the greatest casualties.
Thousands of members lost their jobs, hundreds were arrested, and dozens
were killed. The movement was not able to win any seats in the latest
election but it 'continues its struggle for democratic renewal and renaissance
of our (Serbian) state and people.'
Election 2000
Serbia’s Parliamentary Elections results from December 23, 2000.
Democratic Opposition of Serbia – 176 deputies
Socialist Party of Serbia – 37 deputies
Serbian Radical Party – 23 deputies
Party of Serbian Unity – 14 deputies
Serbia held Presidential elections recently which showed Vojislav Kostunica,
a moderate nationalist, as the winner, but they are being disputed because
only 45 % of voters participated (only 2.9 out of 6.5 million people voted)
and the election was declared invalid. New elections will be held
before December 5, 2002. It is believed that the failure of this
election will have a negative impact on the image of Serbia and will increase
the political instability of the country. Radical party supporters
are calling for a boycott of any future elections since their candidate
was eliminated in the first round.
Resources: Rothschild: Return
to Diversity.
http://www.serbia.sr.gov.yu
http://www.cnn.com