Rasim Ljajić Resigns as SDPS President; Director Jug Radivojević Appointed Successor

Rasim Ljajić, a prominent Serbian politician and former Deputy Prime Minister, has stepped down as the president of the Social Democratic Party of Serbia (SDPS). Ljajić, who founded the party in 2009, announced his resignation, citing his growing responsibilities as vice-president of the JSD Partizan sports club. He stated that the party requires dedicated leadership to prepare for upcoming elections, a commitment he can no longer fully provide.

Following Ljajić's departure, acclaimed director Jug Radivojević has been appointed as the new leader of the SDPS. Radivojević, previously the party's vice-president, will hold the position indefinitely. He is a well-decorated theater and film director and currently serves as the director of the Belgrade Drama Theatre. Notably, Radivojević also holds a position within the sports sector, as a member of the management board and president of the foundation for the rival club Crvena Zvezda.

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When I went to Partizan, I froze all my duties in the party. However, the situation is now such that for the upcoming elections, which we don't know when they will be, but it is certain that they will be, the party must prepare. It must be done at full throttle, not halfway. I am engaged in other positions and cannot devote enough attention to work in the party.

Ljajić's political career spans over three decades, during which he has held numerous ministerial positions. These include serving as Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Minister for National and Ethnic Communities, and Minister for Human and Minority Rights. His resignation marks a significant shift in the leadership of the SDPS, a party that originated from the Sandžak Democratic Party founded by Ljajić in 1996.

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Instead of me, Jug has been appointed to the head of the SDPS and remains in that position indefinitely.