Pajtić: Serbia Has 'Đura Without a Government,' a Farce Compared to Historical Freedoms

Novi Sad Law Professor Bojan Pajtić has delivered a scathing critique of the current government led by Prime Minister Đura Macut, drawing a stark parallel between Serbia's political situation and historical narratives. Pajtić's assertion that Serbia now has 'Đura without a government' while England once had 'Jovan without land' powerfully illustrates his view of the current administration's profound lack of substance and authority.

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Just as much as Jovan without land mattered, Đura without a government matters in this country. So I don't see any particular reason even for a debate on confidence in this government, because this government serves no purpose.

According to Pajtić, the Macut government is so inconsequential that its existence is as meaningful as debating whether a name is spelled 'Đuro' or 'Đura.' He contends that the ministers are largely irrelevant figures, incapable of making significant decisions, and that even identifying them and their portfolios is a trivial pursuit. This assessment paints a picture of a government that is not only ineffective but fundamentally adrift, serving no discernible purpose.

The recent parliamentary session, intended to discuss a no-confidence vote against Macut's government, was postponed due to a lack of quorum. Pajtić dismisses this as a mere 'play,' a tactic employed by the ruling regime to obscure other pressing issues. He suggests the government's dysfunction is being used to cover up the trial of Culture Minister Selaković, unfavorable election results in Hungary, and the political maneuvering of figures like Peter Magyar. Furthermore, Pajtić points to President Aleksandar Vučić's alleged 'foreign policy bankruptcy,' suggesting a lack of credible international support for his democratic credentials.

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Plays usually serve to cover up and hide something in politics. It suits this regime to cover up the trial of (Culture Minister Nikoli) Selaković (in the General Staff case), to cover up the election results in Hungary, the moves made by Peter Magyar.

Pajtić invokes the Magna Carta Libertatum, signed over 800 years ago, to highlight Serbia's regression. He contrasts the historical European ideals of fair trials and limited executive power with Serbia's current 'absolutist' state, labeling the government's situation a 'farce.' He views the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) MPs and ministers as mere 'extras' in a drama dominated by Vučić, whose actions, like orchestrating and then abandoning a parliamentary session, demonstrate a disregard for institutions. Pajtić concludes that the damage to these institutions will require a long recovery period, drawing a lesson from Hungary's recent elections that external support is not necessarily a prerequisite for electoral success.

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After 800 years, we find ourselves in a situation where we live in an absolutist state, and in that sense, this whole thing about the government is truly a farce.