Biljana Srbljanovic: Belgrade's new mayor?

18/04/2008

Playwright and B92 blogger Biljana Srbljanovic is in the May 11th race for mayor of Serbia's capital. Her fellow bloggers have much to say about the candidacy.

By Zeljana Grubisic for Southeast European Times – 18/04/08

Biljana Srbljanovic. [EXIT.org]

Biljana Srbljanovic, an outspoken Serbian playwright known for her political activism, is the Liberal Democratic Party's nominee for mayor of Belgrade. The party describes her as a "true citizen of Europe", saying she is "prepared to put her integrity into a political project".

For the past two years, Srbljanovic's blog at B92 has served as a vehicle for her criticism of the political class. Now her nomination by the LDP has stirred up a lengthy debate among her fellow bloggers.

Ceda Urosevic backs her candidacy, offering 31 reasons why Srbljanovic should become the next mayor. Among other things, he claims, she will "introduce European norms into the lives of Belgrade's citizens" and "eliminate the collaboration between the city authorities and tycoons".

Srbljanovic has zero tolerance for crime and theft and is "not a demagogue, liar and hypocrite", he adds.

Not everyone is convinced. "Biljana doesn't live in Belgrade, and she views its problems from the point of view of her own surroundings," argues Vracarac. "She lacks managerial skills; she lacks manners and communication skills necessary for the mayor of a city of 2 million, as she herself has said several times. Love for Belgrade cannot qualify anyone to be mayor."

Downgreeter, on the other hand, is enthusiastic. "Of course I will vote for Biljana Srbljanovic. I will vote for her because she epitomises citizen activity. Hers is an educated, cultured, nonpartisan voice which over the years offers common sense, despite the loom and gloom cast over her by the 'appropriate' media. She is a person who raised her voice towards something she believes, outside any party constructs and without any pretensions towards personal gain. She is the embodiment of an active idealist, a legitimate example for anyone who would want their voice to be heard."

Colin bgd sees both pros and cons. "I don't think Bil.S. is the kind of candidate who can bring the needed energy, especially since she identifies with a political party that does not differ from the other parties, not one iota … Secondly, to believe that one has the energy and the ability to make a change, I would first have to see their results. Success in literature is not a criterion for success in city management." On the other hand, he suggests, Srbljanovic's election could help bring an end to Belgrade's "nightmares".

"Will that mean five more bridges, 500 new kindergartens or 50,000 new city parking spots? We shall see. But we sure need to start somewhere," he concludes.

Other candidates include frontrunners Dragan Djilas of the Democratic Party and Aleksandar Vucic of the Serb Radical Party, as well as Aleksandar Popovic of the Democratic Party of Serbia/New Serbia coalition. Unlike in previous elections, the mayor will not be chosen directly by the people of Belgrade, but rather by members of local assemblies elected by the voters.