Four of the eight newly elected members of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council said on Friday that they are stepping down from their positions because they refuse to take part in an election process that puts politics above the law.
Rodoljub Sabic, Ira Prodanov Krajisnik, Mileva Malesic and Dubravka Valic Nedeljkovic said they decided to address the public after the Serbian Parliament failed to elect all nine members of the REM Council, despite the complete list of candidates having gone through the legal procedure, public hearings, and receiving confirmation from the Parliament’s Culture and Information Committee.
“This move by the ruling majority has presented us with a fait accompli, a situation where we are expected to participate in a process that has essentially been rendered meaningless. This sends a message that institutions can be filled selectively, based on the needs of the parties in power, even when everything aligns with the law and established procedures,” they emphasized.
Sabic, Prodanov Krajisnik, Malesic, and Valic Nedeljkovic stressed that, under such circumstances, the only honorable and responsible course of action is to resign, as they refuse to be elected through a process that puts politics above the law.
“Our involvement in REM would only make sense if the Council were elected in its full composition and if there were a real chance to do the work independently, professionally, and in the public interest. We want to be absolutely clear: this is not giving up the fight. On the contrary, this very situation shows why the fight was and remains essential,” they pointed out.
They added that, thanks to pressure from the public, independent organizations, experts, national councils, and a mature democratic awareness in society, there was genuine competition for the first time in many years, along with the largest number of independent nominations.
“That is an achievement that endures, one that no one can erase. The decision by the ruling majority has only confirmed how those in power view institutions – as tools to serve personal needs rather than citizens and the public interest. This process has also proven that Serbia is home to a great many people, organizations, movements, and political options who know the country can do better and are fighting for that better Serbia,” the elected Council members said.
They explained that they entered the process honorably, ready to take on responsibility and contribute through their work to a stronger REM and a healthier media landscape in Serbia.
“Today, we are sending a message: we won’t accept political manipulations aimed at making a mockery of the law. The fight goes on – for institutions, for the rule of law, for a society where decisions are made according to the law, not political will,” the statement said.
Source: N1
