Serbia - Government Profile

Overview of the Country’s Political Framework and Structure - 2008

© Mark Resnicoff

Jul 13, 2008

National Assembly , Alxadj - GF/CCSA
Serbia, completely independent since 2006, has developed into a parliamentary democratic republic, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Following decades of communist rule by Yugoslavia and the horrors brought on by the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, Serbia has finally made the transition to a democratic government.

Political System

The Republic of Serbia is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Belgrade. Following a referendum and subsequent declaration of independence by Montenegro, on June 5, 2006 the National Assembly of Serbia declared the "Republic of Serbia" to be the independent, legal successor the "State Union of Serbia and Montenegro." The national holiday is National Day, celebrated on February 15.

Serbia's current constitution was originally adopted on November 8, 2006 and became effective November 10. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Serbia consists of 161 municipalities contained within 24 districts (okrug), one district city (Belgrade) and one autonomous region, Vojvodina (Kosovo, another autonomous region, declared its independence in February 2008). The districts are:

Cental Serbia

Vojvodina

Executive Branch

The President is Serbia’s chief of state. This person is elected by direct vote to a five year term, and is eligible for a second term. Boris Tadic, the current President, assumed his duties on July 11, 2004. Tadic narrowly won a second term in office, defeating opponent Tomislav Nikolic in a February 2008 second-round vote.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, elected by the National Assembly. Mirko Cvetkovic, the current Prime Minister, was sworn in to office on July 7, 2008, following March 8 resignation of former PM Vojislav Kostunica. Deputy Prime Ministers include Ivica Dacic, Bozidar Djelic, Mladjan Dinkic and Jovan Krkobabic.

The Federal Ministries act as a cabinet. The current ministers are:

Legislative Branch

Serbia's National Assembly is a unicameral body consisting of 250 officials. Members are elected by direct vote to serve four year terms.

The current structure of the National Assembly, by political party is (number of seats):

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and appellate, district and municipal courts.

Legal System

Serbia's legal system is based on civil law. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

References

Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. 2008.

Official website of the Serbian government.


The copyright of the article Serbia - Government Profile in Serbia & Montenegro is owned by Mark Resnicoff. Permission to republish Serbia - Government Profile in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


National Assembly , Alxadj - GF/CCSA
        



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