New city authorities have been established in Belgrade. On Feb. 21, the Zajedno coalition, which holds 69 out of 110 seats in Belgrade city assembly, formed the new city's executive council. Democratic Party leader Zoran Djindjic was elected the mayor of Belgrade, while Spasoje Krunic, of the Serbian Renewal Movement, became the chairman of the executive council. Serbian Radical Party MPs strongly opposed Djindjic's election, and called him a "thief" and a "German agent." The Radicals resorted to long discussions in a failed attempt to complicate matters at the inaugurate session of the Belgrade council. Djindjic was elected with 68 votes, while Krunic received 69. Meanwhile, some silent clashes occurred between the Zajedno partners. Well-informed sources say the Serbian Renewal Movement leadership was too late in realizing that the mayor's post represented a good starting point for one's political future. The movement is the largest party in the coalition and had agreed that Djindjic, who had gained much popularity in the three-month protests, be named the mayor of Belgrade. Zajedno had also agreed earlier that movement's leader, Vuk Draskovic, was to be a candidate in the upcoming elections for Serbia's president. Political analysts in Belgrade say Draskovic stands almost no chance of winning the presidential elections.

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