Births on March 4

Zoran Žižić

Born on March 4, 1951

Zoran Žižić, Montenegrin politician, 4th Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (d. 2013)

Zoran Žižić (Serbian Cyrillic: Зоран Жижић), born on March 4, 1951, and passing away on January 4, 2013, was a prominent Yugoslav and later Montenegrin politician who navigated the complex and often turbulent political landscape of the Balkans during a period of profound transformation. His career spanned from the twilight years of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia through the establishment and early challenges of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Early Political Career: A Montenegrin Leader

Žižić first rose to significant political prominence within Montenegro, a constituent republic that played a crucial role in the evolving Yugoslav state. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for two consecutive terms, from 1991 to 1996. During this period, he was an integral part of the first two cabinets led by then-Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, a figure who would go on to dominate Montenegrin politics for decades. These years were characterized by the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the fraught process of nation-building in the region, with Montenegro grappling with its identity and future amidst widespread conflict and political realignment.

Leading the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

A pivotal moment in Žižić's career came in 2000, following the dramatic popular uprising that led to the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević, the long-standing President of Serbia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In the wake of this historic political shift, Zoran Žižić was entrusted with the weighty responsibility of becoming the very first Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the post-Milošević era. His appointment signaled a new, albeit short-lived, chapter for a nation seeking to distance itself from its controversial past and forge a path towards democratic reform and international reintegration.

A Stance of Principle: Resignation and Political Disagreements

However, Žižić's tenure as Prime Minister was brief, marked by a principled stand that underscored the deep political divisions still simmering within the country. In June 2001, he made the consequential decision to resign from his esteemed position in protest. His resignation was a direct response to the controversial extradition of former President Slobodan Milošević to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague. This act of defiance highlighted Žižić's unwavering conviction and his opposition to the handling of such sensitive national issues.

Throughout his political life, Zoran Žižić was known for his affiliation with the hard-line Serbian nationalist wing of the Socialist People's Party. This ideological commitment often put him at odds with more moderate factions within his own party. These disagreements eventually led to his expulsion from the Socialist People's Party in 2005, following significant policy and leadership clashes with the party's more moderate leader, Predrag Bulatović. Žižić's political journey thus reflects the turbulent ideological struggles that defined the post-Yugoslav political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zoran Žižić

Who was Zoran Žižić?: Zoran Žižić was a prominent Yugoslav politician who served in key governmental roles, including Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro and the first Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after Slobodan Milošević's overthrow.
When was Zoran Žižić born and when did he pass away?: He was born on March 4, 1951, and passed away on January 4, 2013.
What were his major political roles?: He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro from 1991 to 1996 and as the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 2000 to 2001.
Why did he resign as Prime Minister of FR Yugoslavia?: Zoran Žižić resigned in June 2001 to protest the extradition of Slobodan Milošević to the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia).
What was his political affiliation?: He was a member of the Socialist People's Party, specifically aligned with its hard-line Serbian nationalist wing, and was expelled in 2005 due to disagreements with party leadership, particularly its moderate leader, Predrag Bulatović.

References

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Events on 1951

11 Apr

President Truman's relief of General Douglas MacArthur
Korean War: President Harry Truman relieves General of the Army Douglas MacArthur of overall command in Korea.
22 Apr

Battle of Kapyong
Korean War: The Chinese People's Volunteer Army begin assaulting positions defended by the Royal Australian Regiment and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry at the Battle of Kapyong.
25 Apr

Battle of Kapyong
Korean War: Assaulting Chinese forces are forced to withdraw after heavy fighting with UN forces, primarily made up of Australian and Canadian troops, at the Battle of Kapyong.
3 May

Harry Truman
The United States Senate Committee on Armed Services and United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations begin their closed door hearings into the dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur by U.S. President Harry Truman.
15 Oct

Combined oral contraceptive pill
Mexican chemist Luis E. Miramontes conducts the very last step of the first synthesis of norethisterone, the progestin that would later be used in one of the first three oral contraceptives.