Serbian Parliament Speaker Ivica Dacic said that only some opposition parties handed in their platforms for the inter-party dialogue with the authorities.

He told the state Radio TV Vojvodina (RTV) that the parties rallied around former Serbian President Boris Tadic’s Social Democrat Party (SDS) had submitted their platforms but that “the parties rallied around (Freedom and Justice Party – SSP – leader Dragan) Djilas did not hand in platforms… not even (former Foreign Minister and People’s Party – NS – leader) Vuk Jeremic”.

The inter-party dialogue was initiated to bring the ruling and opposition parties to the table to negotiate on election conditions. The first stage of that dialogue was mediated by European Parliament officials. It is set to continue in parliament in coming weeks but there has been some dispute over whether it should be mediated by the European Parliament with President Aleksandar Vucic saying that he would not take part if they do. There has also been some concern expressed over whether the dialogue will end in improved election conditions and whether there will be enough time before the next parliamentary elections in April 2022 to implement the changes.

Dacic said that European Parliament officials will hold online consultations with all Serbian parliamentary and non-parliamentary parties between April 19 and 22 on the second stage of the dialogue and could come to Belgrade on May 7 for talks before the dialogue opens in June. He said that a number of parties have said they want to take part in the dialogue, including some who want “foreigners present”.

Dacic said that he would invite Vucic to take part in the talks but added that he is not sure whether he would come as state president or leader of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).