Tomislav Nikolić, Serbian politician, 4th President of Serbia

Tomislav Nikolić: A Definitive Profile of Serbia's Former President

Tomislav Nikolić (Serbian Cyrillic: Томислав Николић, pronounced [tǒmislaʋ nǐkolit͡ɕ]), born on 15 February 1952, is a prominent figure in modern Serbian politics. A retired statesman, he notably served as the President of Serbia from 2012 to 2017, marking a significant period in the nation's post-Milošević era. His political journey is characterized by a dramatic ideological transformation, from a staunch ultranationalist to a proponent of European integration, a shift that profoundly reshaped the political landscape of Serbia.

Early Life and Political Beginnings with the Serbian Radical Party

Hailing from the picturesque village of Bajčetina, nestled within the broader Kragujevac region, Tomislav Nikolić embarked on his political career as a long-standing member and influential Member of Parliament (MP) of the Serbian Radical Party (SRS). The SRS, led by the controversial Vojislav Šešelj, was widely known for its fervent ultranationalist and eurosceptic ideology, often advocating for a Greater Serbia and a strong alliance with Russia. Nikolić's association with the party spanned decades, during which he rose through its ranks and became a recognizable public face, consistently representing the SRS in the National Assembly and advocating for the party's platform.

• Deputy Leader: From 2003, he held the influential position of the Radical Party's deputy leader, making him second-in-command to Vojislav Šešelj. This role placed him at the heart of the party's decision-making and public representation.

High-Level Government Roles During a Tumultuous Era

Nikolić's political ascent saw him take on significant executive roles during a period of profound upheaval in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia. His appointments demonstrated the SRS's participation in coalition governments during the Slobodan Milošević era, offering crucial insight into the political dynamics of the late 1990s.

• Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia (1998-1999): During the tumultuous Kosovo War period, Nikolić served as Deputy Prime Minister in the Government of Serbia, then under the leadership of Mirko Marjanović, within the broader coalition government dominated by Slobodan Milošević's Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) and the SRS. This appointment highlighted the SRS's influence during a time of international isolation and conflict.
• Deputy Prime Minister of FR Yugoslavia (1999-2000): Following the NATO bombing campaign and the end of the Kosovo War, he further served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), again in a coalition government. This period was marked by escalating internal political crisis and widespread public discontent, which would ultimately culminate in the ousting of Slobodan Milošević in October 2000.

A Pivotal Shift: The Break from Vojislav Šešelj and the SRS

In 2007, Nikolić briefly assumed the prestigious role of President of the National Assembly of Serbia. This short tenure, lasting only from May 8 to May 13, 2007, highlighted the political instability of the time, as he resigned when his proposed government coalition failed to materialize. However, the most defining moment of his political career came in 2008, when he orchestrated a dramatic departure from the Serbian Radical Party, a move that fundamentally reshaped Serbian politics.

This decisive break was triggered by a profound ideological schism with party leader Vojislav Šešelj concerning Serbia's strategic foreign policy direction, specifically its relationship with the European Union. While Šešelj, at the time facing war crimes charges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague, maintained his unwavering ultranationalist, anti-Western, and staunchly Eurosceptic stance, Nikolić publicly shifted his views. He began advocating for Serbia's accession to the EU, recognizing it as a viable path for the nation's future development, economic prosperity, and stability. This dramatic ideological shift led to a significant realignment in Serbian politics, as it challenged the long-held ultranationalist narrative.

Following his resignation, Nikolić swiftly moved to establish a new political entity, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), founded in October 2008. Several prominent members and a considerable faction of the Serbian Radical Party, who also favored a more pro-European orientation, joined him. The SNS quickly positioned itself as a modern, pro-European, and center-right party, fundamentally altering Serbia's political landscape and offering a distinct alternative to the established political forces.

Presidential Aspirations: A Long Road to Serbia's Highest Office

Tomislav Nikolić demonstrated persistent ambition for the highest executive office, making multiple attempts to secure the presidency throughout his career, often facing strong competition.

2000 Presidential Election (FR Yugoslavia)

His first attempt at a presidential role was in the September 2000 elections for the President of FR Yugoslavia. Contesting against incumbent Slobodan Milošević and the eventual winner Vojislav Koštunica (Democratic Opposition of Serbia), Nikolić placed third. This election famously sparked the October 5th Revolution, which led to the downfall of Slobodan Milošević.

2003 Presidential Election (Serbia)

Nikolić ran for President of Serbia in 2003 and achieved a significant milestone by garnering the most votes in the first round. However, the election was ultimately canceled due to insufficient voter turnout, as Serbian law at the time stipulated that over 50% of registered voters must participate for an election to be valid. This archaic rule, later abolished, prevented his potential victory despite his popular mandate.

2004 & 2008 Presidential Elections (Serbia)

In both the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections, Nikolić advanced to the second round, consistently placing second behind Boris Tadić of the Democratic Party (DS). Tadić, representing a more pro-Western and reformist bloc, successfully defeated Nikolić in the run-offs, highlighting the ongoing political divide within the electorate and Tadić's strong appeal to centrist voters.

2012 Presidential Election (Serbia)

Persistence finally paid off in the 2012 presidential elections. After another fiercely contested campaign, Tomislav Nikolić, leading his newly formed Serbian Progressive Party, successfully defeated the incumbent Boris Tadić in the run-off round. This victory was a major political upset, marking a significant shift in Serbian politics and ushering in a new era with the SNS at the helm, committed to a clear European integration path and profound internal reforms.

Tomislav Nikolić's Legacy as President of Serbia (2012-2017)

As President of Serbia from 2012 to 2017, Tomislav Nikolić presided over a period of continued efforts towards European integration, regional stability, and economic reform. His presidency solidified Serbia's commitment to joining the European Union, a policy shift he championed after leaving the SRS. He focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, particularly with Russia and China, while also engaging in dialogue for the normalization of relations with Kosovo. His term laid foundational groundwork for further reforms and foreign policy alignments, steering Serbia on a path distinct from its previous isolationist leanings and consolidating the SNS's position as the dominant political force in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tomislav Nikolić

When was Tomislav Nikolić born?

Tomislav Nikolić was born on 15 February 1952.

What political party did Tomislav Nikolić originally belong to?

He was a long-time member and prominent figure of the Serbian Radical Party (SRS), known for its ultranationalist and eurosceptic platform. He later founded the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

Why did Tomislav Nikolić leave the Serbian Radical Party?

Tomislav Nikolić resigned from the SRS in 2008 due to a fundamental disagreement with party leader Vojislav Šešelj over Serbia's foreign policy direction. Nikolić advocated for Serbia's accession to the European Union, a stance strongly opposed by Šešelj and the SRS, leading to an ideological split.

When did Tomislav Nikolić serve as President of Serbia?

Tomislav Nikolić served as the President of Serbia from 2012 to 2017, following his victory in the 2012 presidential election against incumbent Boris Tadić.

What is the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS)?

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is a major political party founded by Tomislav Nikolić in October 2008, shortly after his departure from the SRS. It quickly rose to prominence, becoming the dominant political force in Serbia by advocating for a pro-European, center-right political agenda.