Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Serbia Set for Snap Elections After Kosovo Spurs Collapse

Most important vote in decade called for May

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 13, 2008 10:25 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The president of Serbia dissolved parliament today, paving the way for early elections on May 11 that many are calling the country's most critical vote since the fall of strongman Slobodan Milosevic. Serbia's government collapsed over the weekend due to infighting over the fate of Kosovo and the country's prospect of membership in the European Union, reports Reuters. Early polls suggest the election will be close.

The election pits the pro-EU Democrats against the hardline nationalist Radicals party. Both parties insist that Kosovo is an intrinsic part of Serbia, but the Democrats want the process of EU membership to continue despite Brussels' support for the breakaway province. The timing could hardly be worse for Serbia's foreign standing. Many in the West have been shaken by the country's recall of ambassadors from nations that recognized Kosovo, as well as by recent riots in Belgrade.

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, left, and vice-premier Bozidar Djelic are seen during a session of caretaker government, Monday, March 10, 2008, in Belgrade.
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, left, and vice-premier Bozidar Djelic are seen during a session of caretaker government, Monday, March 10, 2008, in Belgrade.   (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)
Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica attends a government session, Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica attends a government session, Thursday, March 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)
Serb protesters holding small national Serb flag gather in the town of Gracanica, south of Kosovo's capital Pristina, to protest a declaration of independence on Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Serb protesters holding small national Serb flag gather in the town of Gracanica, south of Kosovo's capital Pristina, to protest a declaration of independence on Thursday, March 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Kosovo Serbs kiss their national flag while protesting against Kosovo's independence in the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008.
Kosovo Serbs kiss their national flag while protesting against Kosovo's independence in the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Times editorial: victory for Tadic's party 'best for Serbia, EU and US'
New York Times

French and Swedish foreign ministers' op-ed on Serbia and the EU
Times (UK)

 
Serbia • Kosovo • Slobodan Milosevic • Boris Tadic • Vojislav Kostunica • Belgrade riots

More Newser Stories

Anti-Gay Riots Mar Serbia's Pride Parade

Kosovan Mass Grave Unearthed in Serbia

Bulgaria Detains Kosovo's Ex-PM on War Crimes Charges

UN Acquits Serb Leader

Karadzic to Defend Himself in Genocide Trial
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne