Dragan Đilas, president of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), marked the anniversary of the formation of the so-called “Red-Black Coalition” on this day in 1998, highlighting its role in leading Serbia into conflict with the Western world and the NATO bombing that followed a year later.
Đilas noted that the government at the time was led by Slobodan Milošević, Vojislav Šešelj, and Mirjana Marković, with key ministers including today’s Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, National Bank Governor Jorgovanka Tabaković, and provincial government head Maja Gojković. He described the period as one of complete international isolation, state terror, political assassinations, smuggling, and widespread regime corruption.
“While there is no bombing today, many of the same challenges persist, only in different forms,” Đilas said. He pointed to insecurity, crime, corruption, attacks on universities and independent media, and the emigration of citizens as ongoing issues.
He also criticized moves by nationalist forces, noting that Vučić’s ally Vojislav Šešelj has announced the reformation of the JSO unit, whose members were responsible for the assassinations of Zoran Đinđić and Ivan Stambolić. Retired JSO members in uniform reportedly appeared as special guests at Vučić’s rally in the Belgrade Arena, including in a video filmed at Tumane Monastery.
Đilas concluded by emphasizing resilience and hope: “We fought for Serbia in Europe, and after everything we endured, we ultimately prevailed. We will prevail again.”
Đilas is also recognized as one of the most prominent opponents of President Aleksandar Vučić in contemporary Serbian politics.
