Big move from Higher to Supreme Prosecutor's Office: Will Stefanović succeed Zagorka Dolovac?

Nenad Stefanović, the current chief prosecutor in Belgrade's public prosecutor's office, is reportedly being considered for a move to the higher position of Republic Public Prosecutor. His candidacy is seen as a strong possibility, given his track record in cases that have been sensitive to the ruling authorities. Stefanović's career progression has long been associated with his close ties to the current government.

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That is a completely logical path and a logical sequence of events. So, that he is aspiring to that highest prosecutorial position in the country and that it is some of his final goal.

The prosecutor's office led by Stefanović has handled cases involving student protests and citizen actions, as well as other politically charged matters. Some sensitive cases have reportedly remained unresolved for years. Furthermore, Stefanović has been noted for reassigning prosecutors like Jasmina Paunović and Bojana Savović from significant cases, such as alleged malversations in the EPS (Electric Power Industry of Serbia), to different departments.

Lawyer Jovan Rajić commented that Stefanović's aspiration for the highest prosecutorial office in the country is a logical career path. He added that the government, particularly President Aleksandar Vučić, desires Stefanović in that role due to his perceived loyalty. "They cannot find anyone like him in the judiciary," Rajić stated.

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And certainly the government, embodied primarily by Aleksandar Vučić, wants to see him in that place, because they cannot find anyone like him in the judiciary.

Rajic also suggested that resolving the current "Senjak case" could accelerate Stefanović's advancement. Aleksandar Roknić, executive editor of the daily newspaper "Danas," noted that the "Milić case" directly implicates the president and explained the government's efforts to separate Milić's case from individuals allegedly involved with organized crime leaders. The current Supreme Public Prosecutor, Zagorka Dolovac, is serving her third term, and a power struggle between her and Stefanović has reportedly extended to the High Prosecutorial Council, which appoints prosecutors.

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The 'Milić case' is a case that leads directly to the president of the state.

If Stefanović were to be appointed, he would gain significant control over the judiciary. "He would be at the top, he could literally assign prosecutors as he pleases. When it comes to specific cases - he could take cases from them, give them to others, take over proceedings in certain cases, issue binding instructions, both general and specific, on concrete cases. So, he would have complete control in that area," explained Rajić. There are discussions about constitutional changes that could further empower the Supreme Public Prosecutor. The change could occur through a parliamentary vote to dismiss Dolovac, given the government's majority, or by waiting for her term to expire.

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He would be at the top, he could literally assign prosecutors as he pleases. When it comes to specific cases - he could take cases from them, give them to others, take over proceedings in certain cases, issue binding instructions, both general and specific, on concrete cases. So, he would have complete control in that area.