Dacic in Kraljevo Urges Tito and Slobo Voters to Back SPS

Ivica Dacic, who heads the election list of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), called on voters at a campaign rally in Kraljevo on October 20 to back the party, “both those who loved Tito and those who loved Slobo,” and described the election as fateful for the party. The remarks from the rally were relayed by the SPS, and the sources give neither the hall nor the number of people present.

Dacic said in Kraljevo that the SPS has been the main factor of stability in the country for 36 years. The list runs under his name with the added line “factor of stability,” together with United Serbia, the Social Democratic Party of Serbia and the Greens of Serbia. Earlier in the campaign he held rallies in Vranje, Surdulica and Leskovac, which we have already covered.

What did Dacic tell voters in Kraljevo?

He first addressed those tired of sharp political divisions, saying voters have had enough of conflict and that things must calm down:

“People have had enough of chaos and violence, and the situation urgently needs to calm down. It is time for ordinary people, for the quiet majority that is against divisions and conflict over different political views. For a long time now we have been watching quarrels between parents and children, husband and wife, neighbors and friends.”

His closing appeal went to everyone, whatever their earlier party loyalties. Dacic said:

“That is why I call on everyone, those who loved Tito, and those who loved Slobo, and those who love me or do not love me, who love anyone else, it makes no difference, all of you together.”

He added that he calls them “the motherland and home,” because, as he put it, “the home of all left-wingers is the Socialist Party of Serbia.”

Why did he bring up October 5, 2000?

Dacic compared October 25 to October 5, 2000, which he called the biggest fraud in Serbia’s history. In his words, after that date factories were sold off, workers were laid off, pensions were cut and the working years required for a pension were extended. Tuition fees were introduced as well, he said.

He declared that “wild capitalism, injustice and poverty are the greatest enemy of our people.” On the enrichment of that period he said: “Yesterday’s scum in society became the richest people in society, and that can only happen in wild capitalism.” He did not name anyone he was referring to.

Kosovo and a run for president

Dacic repeated his position on Kosovo in Kraljevo. He said a clear message should come from all politicians: “All politicians should say clearly that Kosovo is Serbia, because it is the historic right of the Serbian people.” He also announced that the Serbian flag will one day fly again over Kosovo and Metohija, adding: “We do not seek what is others’, but we will not give up what is ours.”

According to the portal 021, Dacic made a run for president of Serbia conditional on the SPS result in the parliamentary elections.