Serbia has called on Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to dismiss Economy Minister Rade Basta, who considers it necessary to impose sanctions against Russia. The Movement of Socialists, which is part of the ruling coalition, is asking for his resignation.
Rade Basta has made many different statements in favor of Serbia’s pro-Western course. He urged the country’s government to decide on economic restrictions against Russia, saying Belgrade is paying a “high price” for not supporting Western sanctions measures.
The Minister of Economy believes that the time has come for Belgrade to support Ukraine, since, according to him, Kiev has always defended the territorial integrity of Serbia and has not recognized the independence of Kosovo. Basta also announced the creation of his own political movement, the European Way of Serbia.
“He showed himself earlier as an ill-mannered Russophobe, and now, in front of the IMF delegation, he has shown that he is also disciplined and anti-state … We call on Prime Minister Anu Brnabic to dismiss this incapable instigator and protect the honor of the structure he leads,” the Socialist Movement said in a statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has previously said Belgrade is trying to remain neutral towards the West and Russia, but cannot guarantee this will continue in the future. He expects pressure on Serbia to impose anti-Russian sanctions to increase.
Vučić dismissed suspicions that he launched “trial balloons” with such statements from other government officials. The Serbian president denies his particular influence over the economy minister and stressed that he only sees him as part of the government.
Head of the Republic’s Foreign Ministry, Ivica Dacic, said that Serbia refrains from imposing sanctions on Russia, because they are not profitable for Belgrade itself, and also because they are unjust.
Serbia demanded the resignation of the minister who called for sanctions against the Russian Federation
