Branko Ružić resigns as MP after expulsion from Socialist Party

Branko Ružić has formally resigned as a member of Serbia’s parliament, following through on his promise to return his mandate after the Socialist Party of Serbia expelled him.

“

Dignity. Collegiality.

Ružić posted a document confirming the resignation on Instagram, alongside the words “Dignity. Collegiality.” He had previously said he would return the mandate because he did not want to retain it as a privilege after leaving the party he had belonged to for more than 30 years.

The SPS Statutory Commission unanimously approved his expulsion, according to the party. All 11 members attended the decision, which accused Ružić of knowingly and continuously violating the party statute, failing to carry out decisions of its bodies and unified policy, and causing “enormous political damage” to the SPS.

“

I will return my mandate as a member of parliament to the party. I believe that is decent, civilized and socially responsible. I do not want to keep the mandate as a privilege after leaving the party to which I belonged for more than thirty years.

Ružić responded that although the expulsion was formally decided inside the SPS, he believed it had been politically decided elsewhere. He also said the party had “accepted the role of an SNS branch” and that he considered it his obligation to remain involved in politics.

“

accepted the role of an SNS branch

Earlier, sources close to the SPS described the expulsion as a “sacrifice” to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. They said SPS leader Ivica Dačić had allegedly promised that the matter involving Ružić would be resolved by Sept. 1.

“

sacrifice