Serbian Socialist Party official calls for disciplinary action against party colleague

Novica Tončev, a vice president of Serbia's Socialist Party (SPS), has indicated that a key party disciplinary body will not convene this week to address the status of fellow official Branko Ružić. Media reports had suggested that the SPS Statutory Commission was set to meet to consider Ružić's potential expulsion from the party.

Tončev, speaking to FoNet, did not specify when the commission might meet or if Ružić's case would be on the agenda in the near future. He drew a parallel to his own experience, recalling that he himself faced the Statutory Commission years ago over his media statements. That process, he noted, concluded in his favor after all facts and circumstances were considered.

"I believe Branko Ružić should face the Statutory Commission because of his statements, and if it is determined that he violated the Statute, he should bear responsibility," Tončev stated. "No one, regardless of their name or position, can be above the Statute."

Tončev stressed that the Statutory Commission is elected by the party's Congress and operates independently in assessing facts and making decisions according to the party's statute. He characterized any external pressure on the commission as "completely inappropriate and meaningless."

While Tončev stated he would not publicly share his political stance on the specific case before internal party discussions, he affirmed his commitment to the SPS's interests. "I will state my political position where it is appropriate, before the SPS bodies. As vice president of the party, I always put the interests of the SPS first, and when the time comes, I will clearly express my opinion," he said.