Vojislav Koštunica, Serbian academic and politician, 8th Prime Minister of Serbia

Vojislav Koštunica, born on March 24, 1944, is a prominent Serbian former politician and statesman whose career spanned pivotal decades in modern Serbian history. He played a central role in the country's transition following the Milošević era, serving as the last president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and later as Serbia's prime minister for two distinct terms. Koštunica's political trajectory was often marked by a firm stance on national sovereignty, particularly concerning international tribunals and the nation's geopolitical orientation.

The Rise to Power: Overthrowing Milošević

Vojislav Koštunica first captured international attention during the tumultuous year of 2000. As a unifying candidate for the broad opposition coalition, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS), he successfully challenged and defeated Slobodan Milošević in the Yugoslav presidential election. This victory was not merely a change of leadership; it was a watershed moment that culminated in the popular overthrow of Milošević, signaling a dramatic shift in Serbian politics and ultimately leading to the withdrawal of international sanctions that had long crippled Yugoslavia. From 2000 to 2003, Koštunica held the esteemed position as the final president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, steering the country through a critical post-Milošević period.

Navigating Post-Milošević Serbia: ICTY and First Premiership

Koštunica's presidency and subsequent premiership were defined by significant political and ideological challenges. He maintained a strong and consistent opposition to cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), viewing it as a politically motivated institution that undermined Serbia's sovereignty. This principled stand led to his party's withdrawal from the coalition government in protest over the controversial decision to extradite Slobodan Milošević to The Hague. Following the 2003 Serbian parliamentary election—the first elections held after the dissolution of the DOS alliance and the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić—Koštunica returned to executive power. He successfully formed a minority government, crucially securing support from Milošević's Socialist Party of Serbia, and began his first term as Prime Minister of Serbia, serving from 2004 to 2007.

A Defining Stance: Constitution and Neutrality

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Vojislav Koštunica emerged as one of the most crucial figures in shaping the foundation of an independent Serbia. He was instrumental in the adoption of the first constitution for the newly independent nation, a landmark achievement that codified the country's legal and political framework. Furthermore, Koštunica was a staunch advocate for declaring Serbia a politically neutral country, a policy position that continues to resonate in Serbian foreign policy debates to this day. This pursuit of neutrality reflected his vision for Serbia's sovereignty and its position on the international stage.

Second Term and the European Union Question

Koštunica's second government, which ran from 2007 to 2008, was largely overshadowed by the ongoing debate regarding Serbia's relationship with the European Union. A committed eurosceptic, he strongly opposed signing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, viewing it as potentially compromising Serbia's independence and national interests, particularly in relation to the unresolved status of Kosovo. This deeply divisive issue ultimately led to the fall of his government after just one year, paving the way for early elections that were subsequently won by more pro-European parties, marking a shift in Serbia's geopolitical alignment.

A Legacy of Leadership: Founding and Departing the DSS

Beyond his executive roles, Vojislav Koštunica was a foundational figure in Serbian political party landscape. He was one of the founders and the very first president of the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS), leading it from its creation in 1992 until March 19, 2014. His decision to resign as party president and retire from active politics came after the DSS failed to reach the crucial 5% parliamentary threshold in the March 16 elections, marking the first time in the party's history that it would not enter the Parliament. His departure signaled the end of a long and influential career at the helm of a major political force in Serbia. However, Koštunica's political journey didn't completely end there; in October 2014, he further distanced himself from the DSS, leaving the party due to disagreements with the new leadership over what he perceived as an abandonment of his core policy of political neutrality. In November of the same year, he co-founded the right-wing, eurosceptic "Statehood Movement of Serbia," continuing to advocate for his long-held principles.

Beyond Active Politics

Even after officially retiring from active politics, Koštunica's influence and counsel remained relevant in Serbian public life. In 2022, it was reported that Vladeta Janković, a long-time friend and colleague, consulted with Koštunica before accepting the candidacy for mayor of Belgrade, representing the United Serbia coalition in the wake of the Belgrade elections. This anecdote underscores the enduring respect and weight his opinion still carries among certain political circles in Serbia.

FAQs About Vojislav Koštunica

Who is Vojislav Koštunica?
Vojislav Koštunica is a Serbian former politician and statesman, best known for serving as the last president of FR Yugoslavia and as a two-term prime minister of Serbia.
When was he born?
He was born on March 24, 1944.
What were his key political roles?
He served as the President of FR Yugoslavia from 2000 to 2003 and as the Prime Minister of Serbia from 2004 to 2007, and again from 2007 to 2008.
What was his role in the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević?
Koštunica won the 2000 Yugoslav presidential election as the candidate of the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS), a victory that led directly to the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević.
What was his stance on the ICTY?
He strictly opposed cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and his party left the coalition government in protest over the extradition of Slobodan Milošević.
What is the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS)?
The Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) is a political party that Vojislav Koštunica co-founded in 1992 and led as its first president until 2014.
Why did he leave the DSS?
He resigned as party president in 2014 after the DSS failed to enter parliament and later left the party entirely in October 2014 due to disagreements with the new leadership over their perceived abandonment of his policy of political neutrality.
What is the "Statehood Movement of Serbia"?
The "Statehood Movement of Serbia" is a right-wing, eurosceptic political movement that Vojislav Koštunica co-founded in November 2014 after leaving the DSS.