Yugosla-via's Puring Standstill Spurs Company... (Press, 13 October 1988)
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Summary: Yugosla-via's Puring Standstill Spurs Company... (Press, 13 October 1988)
On 13 October 1988, a senior member of Yugoslavia’s ruling Communist Party Politburo, Stefan Korosec, indicated that a significant purge within the party was imminent, with a meeting scheduled for the following Monday to address ongoing ethnic unrest and severe economic challenges in the country. Korosec remarked that a list of senior officials slated for dismissal would be compiled by Sunday. He suggested that while some members may resign voluntarily, others would be removed due to their accountability for the nation's troubling circumstances. The Belgrade newspaper "Politika" echoed Korosec's sentiments, hinting at the potentially extensive nature of this purge. The article emphasised the urgency of the political situation, which had been exacerbated by widespread demonstrations against ethnic tensions and economic hardships, along with allegations of political corruption. These factors had raised concerns about the possibility of a state of emergency being declared. Currently, Yugoslavia is facing a staggering inflation rate of 217 per cent, alongside significant ethnic conflicts, particularly between the dominant Serbian population and other ethnic groups. The country consists of six republics: Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia. Tensions have been particularly intense in Kosovo Province, where Serbs claim to be victims of harassment by the Albanian population. This political turbulence represents the most serious challenge to the Communist leadership since the death of former President Josip Broz Tito in 1980. It has prompted moments of unprecedented political upheaval, exemplified by recent events in Vojvodina Province, where large-scale protests resulted in the ousting of local party officials. However, a similar attempt to instigate change in Montenegro was met with resistance, as paramilitary police intervened, receiving support from non-Serbian leaders. Overall, this anticipated political purge within the Communist Party underscores a critical juncture for Yugoslavia as it navigates through significant ethnic divisions and economic turmoil that have come to a head, posing challenges to the stability of its governing institutions.
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