Zoran Žižić, Montenegrin politician, 4th Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (b. 1951)

Zoran Žižić: A Prominent Figure in Yugoslav and Montenegrin Politics

Zoran Žižić (Serbian Cyrillic: Зоран Жижић; born 4 March 1951, died 4 January 2013) was a significant Yugoslav politician whose career spanned a transformative period in the Balkans. He played key roles both within the Montenegrin political landscape and at the federal level of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during a time of immense political upheaval and state transformation.

Early Political Career and Role in Montenegro

Žižić's political ascent began in the early 1990s, a crucial decade marked by the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro in the first two cabinets led by Milo Đukanović, from 1991 to 1996. This period was pivotal for Montenegro as it navigated its relationship within the newly formed Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which comprised only Serbia and Montenegro. As Deputy Prime Minister, Žižić was involved in the early stages of post-communist governance and economic transition in the republic.

Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (2000-2001)

Perhaps Žižić's most notable role came in the wake of a monumental political shift. Following the popular "October 5th Revolution" in 2000, which led to the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević's authoritarian regime, Zoran Žižić was appointed as the first Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. His appointment signaled a new era, marking the initial attempt to establish a more democratic and internationally aligned government after years of isolation and conflict.

However, his tenure as Prime Minister was brief and ended dramatically. Žižić resigned from his position in June 2001 in direct protest over the decision to extradite former President Slobodan Milošević to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague. This act underscored his strong principles and his staunch opposition to a move he perceived as detrimental to national sovereignty, even as it was widely supported by the international community as a step towards justice for war crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars.

Political Stance and Expulsion from the Socialist People's Party

Throughout his career, Žižić was known for his firm political convictions. He was a prominent figure within the hard-line Serbian nationalist wing of the Socialist People's Party of Montenegro (SNP). The SNP, formed in 1997, largely advocated for the continuation of a common state with Serbia. His alignment with this nationalist faction often put him at odds with more moderate elements within the party.

These internal disagreements eventually led to his expulsion from the SNP in 2005. The expulsion followed significant disputes with the party's then-leader, Predrag Bulatović, who pursued a more moderate political line and sought to reform the party's image and policies. Žižić's departure marked a significant moment in the internal struggles of Montenegrin political parties regarding national identity and future state arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zoran Žižić

When was Zoran Žižić born and when did he pass away?
Zoran Žižić was born on March 4, 1951, and passed away on January 4, 2013.
What was Zoran Žižić's most significant political role?
He is most widely recognized for serving as the first Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia following the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević in 2000.
Why did Zoran Žižić resign as Prime Minister?
He resigned in June 2001 in protest over the extradition of former President Slobodan Milošević to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
What political party was Zoran Žižić associated with?
Zoran Žižić was a prominent member of the Socialist People's Party of Montenegro (SNP). He was part of its hard-line Serbian nationalist wing.
Why was Zoran Žižić expelled from the Socialist People's Party?
He was expelled in 2005 due to disagreements with the party's then-moderate leader, Predrag Bulatović, over political direction and internal policies.