Rasim Ljajic Steps Down as SDPS Leader, Cites FK Partizan Duties; Theatre Director Takes Over

Rasim Ljajic, a prominent Serbian politician and former deputy prime minister, has stepped down as president of the Social Democratic Party of Serbia (SDPS). Ljajic, who hails from Novi Pazar, announced his resignation, stating that his commitments to the football club FK Partizan necessitated his departure from party leadership.

Ljajic explained that upon joining Partizan, he had temporarily frozen his party duties. However, with elections anticipated, he believes the SDPS needs to prepare and operate at full capacity. He indicated that his current responsibilities prevent him from dedicating the necessary time to party work. Consequently, Jug Radivojevic, a theatre director, has been appointed to lead the SDPS and will hold the position until further notice.

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When I joined Partizan, I froze all my duties within the party. However, with elections expected, even though we still don't know when they will be held, the party has to prepare. It has to operate at full capacity, not halfway.

The SDPS was founded in 2009, evolving from the Sandzak Democratic Party, which Ljajic had established in 1996 after a split from the Party of Democratic Action (SDA). Ljajic had been at the helm of the SDPS since its inception, concurrently serving in various ministerial roles across successive Serbian governments. His decision to step down marks the end of his long tenure leading the party he co-founded.

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I have other responsibilities and cannot devote enough time to party work. Jug has been appointed to lead the SDPS and will remain in the position until further notice.