Minister: Parliament should discuss sanctions on Russia, not my dismissal

Basta told the daily Danas that the lack of understanding for his “clearly pro-European positions has become a regular occurrence” and that “the gap in opinions on the course that Serbia should take is constantly widening.”

“Once certain individuals used to say that ‘your don’t pour patriotism in a tractor’, however, it looks like there has been a change in positions. People don’t need big political talk and ‘fraternal rhetoric’ at the time when there is a war on European soil and the aggression is committed by the leadership of a country we consider ‘fraternal’” said Basta.

He stressed that “the citizens need a clear economic policy, full fridges, organized health and educations systems, rule of law, peace, stability and tolerance,” and added that it came as no surprise that his dismissal was requested by his own party – United Serbia.

The Serbian Parliament is currently debating a proposal for the dismissal of Economy Minister Basta.

Basta said his dismissal is sought because he had asked for Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia.