Introduction into the Political Program of the G17 PLUS

Mission

The ultimate goal is the creation of a strong economy and stable democracy in Serbia, which will become the leader in the Balkans, ready to adopt European standards and capable of preserving and protecting the best of its own tradition and culture.

Breakup with the past

Political changes of October 5, 2000 have failed to result in the required radical reforms of the social and political systems. Notwithstanding the accomplishment of a remarkable level of civil rights and liberties, an improved international position of Serbia and the initiation of speedy economic reforms, the country is still at the crossroads – faced with a dilemma which road to take. Political support for the continuation of economic reforms has not been secured and clear reformist steps have not been undertaken in many other segments of society. Numerous old institutions are left unscathed, a number of crucial systemic laws have not been adopted, including the new Constitution, corruption is flourishing at all levels, convictions for abuses in the previous period are precious few, while the courts are in general appallingly inefficient, and the police work in key segments is completely blocked. The rule of law as a fundamental precondition for market reforms is in its initial stage. Frequent transgressions against the law often go unpunished, if at all, resulting in the absence of elementary justice and destroying the system of moral values. The collapse of the judiciary and excessive red tape limit the economic freedoms, discouraging the potential foreign investors and private initiative, all of which proves that the country has not yet managed to shed the legacy of the past.

New road

G17 PLUS used to be a non-governmental organization with obvious political goals: economic reforms, a better life and entry of Europe. To achieve that, democracy and the rule of law are indispensable. That is why G17 PLUS supported the opposition throughout the October 2000 democratic revolution. Although many things have improved in the meantime, the most crucial ones have unfortunately remained unchanged. The October democratic corpus has split into two antagonistic blocks, concerned with their respective particular interest, rather than those of the country as a whole. G17 PLUS can no longer silently observe inferior political compromises made at the expense of Serbian citizens and various inter-party blackmails in favor of petty personal and party gains. G17 PLUS aims to take a much greater responsibility for the situation in Serbia, completing the reforms and changing the system as a whole. Honest, skillful, responsible and clear-handed people must lead Serbia, whereas G17 PLUS will do everything possible to unite and incorporate them into its structure on the basis of its program and overall activities.

Political support for genuine economic and institutional reforms

G17 PLUS members have largely contributed to the radical economic reforms. Over the past two years our country has achieved the fastest changes in transition of all East-European countries. This trend needs to continue as we are only half-way through. We expected others to launch institutional reforms of the same extent, considering this a must for a sustainable economic development. However, the others have not lived up to such expectations, which faces G17 PLUS with the task to take the initiative and full responsibility for the conduct of all reforms, economic as well as institutional. These changes will bring Serbia closer to the EU and give our citizens realistic prospects to work and enjoy as much as our neighbors and other Europeans.

Transition and social solidarity

Reforms are a must, but they do not have an equal and synchronized impact on all segments of the population or all regions. At the beginning of reforms, the costs are higher for some, but the end of the transition brings benefits to all. The completion of transition will contribute to the resolution of unemployment and the improvement of the standard of living. Until then it is necessary to achieve a national consensus on transition models and a clear state program of social protection to the poorest.

Efficient rule of law

At the core of the rule of law is the respect of the constitution and laws. This assumes the same principles for all, and citizens become equal before the law regardless of their political orientation and national, religious or racial backgrounds. However, equal treatment of all does not bring justice to those who did not have equal opportunities to become successful. The state is obliged to take care of them and to provide them a living worthy of the present times. But, above all, legal regulations have to facilitate the efficient functioning of institutions in the best interest of citizens. The new Constitution, therefore, along with the accompanying systemic laws, has to be based on contemporary regulations and standards immanent to European countries. This is the only way to create efficient institutions and a prospering society.

Preservation of the statehood

Serbia belongs to Europe. There is no doubt that we shall create conditions for full membership in the EU, by all-encompassing reforms. The only question is whether this would come sooner or later. We have no time to wait since we have lost a lot of time and energy in former period, owing to the ill-conceived and irresponsible governance of the country. Meanwhile we have to uphold our own state and transform it so as to function as efficiently as possible. All issues related to Montenegro, Kosovo and Metohija, Vojvodina or regions, have to be resolved within this framework, on a democratic basis and with a prospect of the EU admission. Serbia can be preserved and advanced only if we succeed in transforming it into a modern state, functioning in the interests of all of its citizens.

Individual liberties and rights

G17 PLUS stands for an open society, based on democracy, private property and market economy, in which free individuals and their rights are a cornerstone of the whole societal organization. The role of the state is not to govern the people, but to act as a social service, a creator and guarantor of an environment in which individual rights will be maximally affirmed and protected. It is not the role of the state to be directly concerned with the benefit of individuals, to be responsible for the provision of their previously determined level of consumption and earnings, or even to care about their personal happiness. On the contrary, it is the right of an individual and his/her life mission to care about his/her personal wealth and happiness, while the role of the state is to create the conditions wherein this could be achieved in a productive, morally grounded and dignified manner. In all of its activities, G17 PLUS will therefore insist on the expansion of individual liberties, as well as individual responsibilities.

Division of power and responsibility of all institutions

The new Constitution must provide for a strict division of power into legislative, executive and judicial. Each of them has to be responsible for the work it does. What matters are the results, not political intentions. Within this framework, G17 PLUS expects the government to be responsible and efficient, the parliament to express the will of voters, to control the government and support institutional and economic reforms, the judiciary to be independent and non-compromised. Legal and efficient functioning of the judiciary is a crucial prerequisite not only for the accomplishment of economic and social reforms in general, but for the whole system of responsibility in the society.

Active foreign policy

In this area a clear and long- term strategy must be adopted, regardless of the model of relations between Serbia and Montenegro. Thus it is necessary to develop a state program which would define steps, procedures and speed of accession to the EU and Euro-Atlantic security and other integrations, with the ultimate goal of full integration in the existing global structures. A clearly active role in all types of regional initiatives, programs and projects is also necessary, as much as proposals of new, more efficient forms of cooperation and links in South-Eastern Europe. The realization of these priorities is not possible without a thorough reorganization of the existing diplomatic apparatus.

Program principles

G17 PLUS is a political party with the following fundamental program principles:

• respect of the rights and liberties of all citizens, independently of their national, religious, social and political background;

• creation of an open society based on democracy, private property and market economy, wherein free individuals and their individual rights are the cornerstones of the entire social organization;

• establishment of the rule of law, assuming that all citizens are equal before the law, and a categorical struggle against bureaucracy;

• adoption of the new Constitution and systemic laws on the basis of the highest European standards, division of power, decentralization and respect for regional specificities;

• strengthening of institutions accompanied by lustration whenever the cadre of the old regime presents an insurmountable barrier to the creation of new institutions, particularly in the judiciary, police and state administration;

• development of national economy, on the basis of a stable national currency and low inflation, stimulating taxes and responsible public finances, sound banking system and strong private sector, free competition without monopolies, with limited state intervention for the removal of market deficiencies and the realization of a speedier economic growth, modernization of the entire road, public utility and telecommunication infrastructure, revitalization of agriculture and introduction of a stable system of guaranteed prices which provides a higher social security to farmers;

• systematic strengthening of domestic entrepreneurs, equal opportunities to foreign and domestic investors, with a particular attention to the protection of national interests in the process of privatization;

• removal of all administrative barriers for investment and creation of a modern state administration which would efficiently serve the citizens and businessmen;

• creation of conditions for new job-openings, provision of work for those who are willing and know how to work;

• social agreement between the unions, government and employers, to ensure security to all workers;

• struggle against poverty and creation of an adequate social protection system;

• reform of the pension system, providing the citizens with a prospect of safe and carefree old age;

• cooperation with all countries in the region, establishment of the zone of political security and free trade in the Balkans, with an ultimate goal of admission to the EU;

• denationalization through the return of property or justifiable compensation to former owners;

• establishment of the police force capable and motivated to efficiently fight the crime and modernization of the army as a guarantor of peace and sovereignty, with a development of a new military doctrine enabling integration into the Partnership for Peace program;

• radical improvement of the situation in the healthcare sector, with a provision of equal basic health protection to all citizens, no matter what their material standing is;

• upgrading of the system of education and introduction of modern teaching programs at school and university levels;

• stimulation of scientific development, with reliance on applied research;

• fostering of the national culture with preservation of its own tradition;

• permanent and defined connections with the diaspora;

• systematic care for sports and recreation of citizens;

• struggle for environmental protection.

Experts as politicians

The G17 PLUS experts are founding members of a new political party, but this does not mean that the party is closed to new members. On the contrary, those who support these principles, who are honest and responsible, with clear records, are herewith invited to join us. Fundamental characteristics of the G17 PLUS activities are team-work, individual initiative and cooperation. There is a lot of work and enough room for everybody who wants to act in the interest of Serbian citizens.

Political cooperation

G17 PLUS is a political party which will act independently of other political parties, but is open to cooperation with all parties and organizations wishing to found a modern and democratic Serbia, capable to join the European Union in a short while.