The Movement for the Restoration of the Kingdom of Serbia (POKS) is experiencing a split after party president Vojislav Mihailović scheduled an extraordinary assembly for June 22, which was annulled by the party presidency accusing him of attempting to divide the movement. Mihailović claims his assembly is the only legitimate one and calls on members to remain loyal to the legally elected party organs. The presidency and the statutory commission of POKS consider Mihailović’s decision illegal, emphasizing that decisions are made by collective bodies according to the statute. More than two-thirds of the party members initiated a procedure to remove Mihailović and scheduled a new extraordinary assembly for June 21 in Kragujevac. This internal crisis highlights deep divisions within POKS and a struggle for control over the party.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports tend to emphasize the internal democratic processes and the importance of collective decision-making within POKS. They highlight the conflict as a symptom of broader struggles within right-wing nationalist parties in Serbia, often pointing to the dangers of factionalism weakening opposition forces.
Center: Centrist coverage focuses on the factual reporting of the events, presenting statements from both sides without taking a strong stance. They emphasize the procedural aspects of the conflict, such as the legality of the assembly calls and the party statutes, and the implications for the party’s future.
Right: Right-leaning outlets often portray Vojislav Mihailović as a legitimate leader fighting against internal sabotage and attempts to weaken the party from within. They frame the conflict as a struggle to preserve the party’s core values and criticize the presidency for undermining the leadership and unity of POKS.
