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Navigating Serbian Politics

An academic exploration into the origins, ideological shifts, and electoral impact of Serbia's national-conservative force, the New Democratic Party of Serbia (NDSS).

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The NDSS: An Overview

Foundation and Evolution

The New Democratic Party of Serbia (NDSS), known as the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) until 2022, is a national-conservative political party in Serbia. It was founded on 26 July 1992, emerging as a conservative faction that split from the Democratic Party (DS). This split was primarily driven by a nationalist stance, advocating for involvement in the Democratic Movement of Serbia (DEPOS).

Key Details

The party's current president is Miloš Jovanović. Its headquarters are located at Braće Jugovića 2a, Belgrade. The NDSS operates as part of the National Democratic Alternative (NADA) parliamentary group, reflecting its current political alignment and strategic partnerships. The party's official color is blue, symbolizing its identity within the Serbian political landscape.

Ideological Compass

Initially positioned on the centre-right of the political spectrum, the party underwent a significant ideological shift in the early 2010s, moving towards a more pronounced right-wing and eurosceptic stance. This evolution has solidified its identity as a national-conservative force, emphasizing national interests and a critical view of European Union accession, particularly concerning the status of Kosovo.

Historical Trajectory

Early Years (1992–2000)

The Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) was established in 1992 by a nationalist faction that broke away from the Democratic Party (DS). Key founding members included Vojislav Koštunica, Vladeta Janković, Đurđe Ninković, Draško Petrović, Mirko Petrović, and Vladan Batić. Vojislav Koštunica was elected as the first president at the founding assembly on 26 July 1992. The party's initial manifesto was adopted on 5 December 1992.

In the December 1992 parliamentary elections, as part of the Democratic Movement of Serbia (DEPOS), DSS secured 18 seats, which later increased to 20. However, ideological differences, particularly regarding the approach to the ruling Socialist Party of Serbia and the DSS's strong Serbian nationalist beliefs, led to its departure from DEPOS in mid-1993. Running independently in the premature 1993 parliamentary elections, DSS won seven seats, experiencing a period of political stagnation as nationalist votes largely went to the Serbian Radical Party. In 1996, DSS joined the opposition 'Zajedno' (Together) coalition, gaining four seats in the Federal Assembly.

Rise to Power (2000–2008)

DSS played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS). In the 2000 Yugoslav presidential election, DSS leader Vojislav Koštunica defeated Slobodan Milošević, securing 50.24% of the vote. The DOS coalition achieved a landslide victory in the December 2000 Serbian parliamentary election, winning 176 seats, with DSS allocated 45. Despite this, DSS had limited influence in the DOS government, holding only two ministerial posts. Dissatisfaction with the government's direction led DSS to leave the coalition in late 2001.

After serving in opposition, DSS returned to power following the 2003 parliamentary election, winning 17.7% of the popular vote and 53 seats. This enabled the formation of a government with other right-wing parties, with Koštunica appointed Prime Minister, a position he held from March 2004 to July 2008. During this period, DSS led two coalition governments: the first with the Serbian Renewal Movement and G17 Plus (2004-2007), and the second with the Democratic Party and G17 Plus (2007-2008).

Shifting Landscape (2008–Present)

Following the 2008 parliamentary election, DSS, in coalition with New Serbia, secured 30 seats and moved back into opposition. This period marked a significant shift in the party's platform, becoming a staunch advocate for Kosovo remaining within Serbia and adopting an increasingly eurosceptic stance. In 2012, Koštunica declared that the EU was detrimental to Serbia, leading the party to withdraw from the European People's Party.

The 2012 parliamentary elections saw DSS compete independently, winning 21 seats. However, the 2014 elections proved challenging, with the party failing to pass the electoral threshold, prompting Koštunica's resignation. He was succeeded by Sanda Rašković Ivić. In 2016, DSS re-entered the National Assembly in a coalition with Dveri. After Rašković Ivić's ousting, Miloš Jovanović assumed the party presidency in December 2016. In 2021, DSS formed the National Democratic Alternative (NADA) pre-electoral coalition, and in May 2022, the party officially rebranded as the New Democratic Party of Serbia (NDSS).

Ideological Foundations

Political Spectrum Evolution

The New Democratic Party of Serbia (NDSS) has undergone a notable ideological evolution since its inception. Initially, the party was positioned on the centre-right of the political spectrum, maintaining a moderate conservative image. This alignment reflected a period where the party was more open to Western integration and was even a member of the European People's Party until 2012.

National Conservatism & Euroscepticism

In the early 2010s, the party shifted decisively towards the right-wing, embracing a national-conservative ideology. A core tenet of this shift is a strong opposition to Serbia's accession to the European Union, particularly if such membership necessitates the recognition of an independent Kosovo. This eurosceptic stance has become a defining characteristic of the NDSS, distinguishing it from more pro-EU political entities in Serbia.

Descriptors and Alliances

Beyond national conservatism, the NDSS has also been characterized as conservative, nationalist, and populist. These descriptors highlight its emphasis on traditional values, national identity, and an appeal to popular sentiment. In October 2022, the party, alongside the People's Party, Serbian Party Oathkeepers, and Dveri, signed a joint declaration advocating for the "reintegration of Kosovo into the constitutional and legal order of Serbia," further solidifying its nationalist and territorial integrity positions. Historically, in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, DSS was associated with the European People's Party until 2012, subsequently joining the European Democrat Group until 2014.

Party Leadership

Presidents of the Party

The leadership of the New Democratic Party of Serbia has seen several prominent figures at its helm since its founding. These individuals have guided the party through various political landscapes and ideological shifts.

# President Birth–Death Term Start Term End
1 Vojislav Koštunica 1944– 26 July 1992 19 March 2014
2 Sanda Rašković Ivić 1956– 12 October 2014 2 August 2016
3 Miloš Jovanović 1976– 21 December 2016 Incumbent

Vice-Presidents and Founders

Beyond the presidential role, a team of vice-presidents supports the party's strategic direction and operational management. The party's foundation was a collective effort, with several individuals playing crucial roles in its establishment.

Current Vice-Presidents:

  • Dejan Šulkić
  • Zoran Sandić
  • Predrag Marsenić
  • Siniša Atlagić
  • Uroš Janković

Founder:

  • Vojislav Koštunica

Acting Leaders

During transitional periods, the party has also relied on acting leaders to ensure continuity and stability. These interim roles are critical in maintaining the party's operations and political presence.

Name Birth–Death Term Start Term End
Aleksandar Popović 1971– 19 March 2014 12 October 2014
Dragan Maršićanin 1950– 2 August 2016 21 December 2016

Electoral Performance

Parliamentary Elections

The New Democratic Party of Serbia (and its predecessor, DSS) has participated in numerous parliamentary elections, with varying degrees of success. Its performance reflects the shifting political landscape and public sentiment in Serbia over the decades.

National Assembly of Serbia (250 seats)

Year Leader Popular Vote % of Vote Rank # of Seats Seat Change Coalition Status
1992 Vojislav Koštunica 797,831 17.98% 3rd 18 / 250 +18 DEPOS Opposition
1993 218,056 5.29% 5th 7 / 250 –11 Opposition
1997 Election boycott 0 / 250 –7 Extra-parliamentary
2000 2,404,758 65.69% 1st 45 / 250 +45 DOS Government 2000–01
Opposition 2001–04
2003 678,031 17.96% 2nd 53 / 250 +8 DSS–SLS Government
2007 667,615 16.83% 3rd 33 / 250 –20 DSS–NS–JS–SDPO Government
2008 480,987 11.87% 3rd 21 / 250 –12 DSS–NS Opposition
2012 273,532 7.32% 4th 21 / 250 0 Opposition
2014 152,436 4.38% 5th 0 / 250 –21 Extra-parliamentary
2016 Sanda Rašković Ivić 190,530 5.19% 6th 6 / 250 +6 DSS–Dveri Opposition
2020 Miloš Jovanović 72,085 2.32% 6th 0 / 250 –6 Metla 2020 Extra-parliamentary
2022 204,444 5.54% 4th 7 / 250 +7 NADA Opposition
2023 191,431 5.16% 4th 7 / 250 0 NADA Opposition

Presidential Elections

The party has also put forward or supported candidates in presidential elections, reflecting its broader political ambitions and influence in national leadership.

President of Serbia

Year Candidate 1st Round Popular Vote % of Vote 2nd Round Popular Vote % of Vote Notes
1992 Milan Panić 2nd 1,516,693 34.65% Supported Panić, an independent candidate
Sep 1997 Election boycott Election annulled due to low turnout
Dec 1997 Election boycott
Sep–Oct 2002 Vojislav Koštunica 1st 1,123,420 31.56% 1st 1,991,947 68.38% Election annulled due to low turnout
Dec 2002 1st 1,699,098 59.28% Election annulled due to low turnout
2003 Election boycott Election annulled due to low turnout
2004 Dragan Maršićanin 4th 414,971 13.47%
2008 Velimir Ilić 3rd 305,828 7.57% Supported Ilić
2012 Vojislav Koštunica 4th 290,861 7.79%
2017 Aleksandar Popović 10th 38,167 1.06%
2022 Miloš Jovanović 3rd 226,137 6.10%

Positions Held

Major Governmental Roles

Members of the New Democratic Party of Serbia (and its predecessor DSS) have held significant positions within the Serbian and former Yugoslav governments, demonstrating the party's influence at various levels of state administration.

Position Individual Years
President of FR Yugoslavia Vojislav Koštunica 2000–2003
Prime Minister of Serbia Vojislav Koštunica 2004–2008
President of the Assembly of Serbia and Montenegro Zoran Šami 2004–2006
President of the National Assembly of Serbia Dragan Maršićanin 2001, 2004

Notable Members

Throughout its history, the party has attracted and nurtured a number of influential figures who have contributed to its political discourse and public presence. These individuals have often held significant roles within the party or in public office.

  • Vojislav Koštunica
  • Aleksandar Popović
  • Slobodan Samardžić
  • Aleksandar Pravdić
  • Dragan Jočić
  • Miloš Aligrudić
  • Radomir Naumov
  • Dragan Maršićanin
  • Predrag Bubalo
  • Vladeta Janković
  • Draško Petrović
  • Mirko Petrović
  • Đurđe Ninković
  • Milan Parivodić
  • Vladan Batić
  • Bora Đorđević
  • Dušan Prelević
  • Nenad Popović
  • Branislav Ristivojević

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the New Democratic Party of Serbia Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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