Boris Tadic vs Gjorge Ivanov

Boris Tadić was elected President of Serbia on June 27, 2004, defeating Tomislav Nikolić. He ran on a pro-European Union platform and served two terms until 2012, focusing on EU integration, regional cooperation, and democratic reforms.

Tadić signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union on April 29, 2008, a key step toward Serbia's EU membership. The agreement was delayed due to Serbia's cooperation with the ICTY, which Tadić pursued.

Tadić's government opposed Kosovo's declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, and sought to annul it through diplomatic and legal means. The issue dominated his presidency and strained relations with EU countries that recognized Kosovo.

Under Tadić's presidency, Serbian authorities arrested Ratko Mladić, the Bosnian Serb general wanted for genocide, on May 26, 2011. The arrest was a condition for EU progress and improved Serbia's international standing, though it faced domestic criticism.

Ivanov won the presidential election as the candidate of VMRO-DPMNE, succeeding Branko Crvenkovski. His presidency was largely ceremonial but he wielded influence over foreign policy.

Ivanov issued pardons to politicians implicated in the wiretapping scandal, including Nikola Gruevski, sparking massive protests. He later revoked the pardons under pressure from the EU and the opposition.

Ivanov refused to sign the Prespa Agreement, arguing it violated the constitution and national identity. He instead referred it to the Constitutional Court, delaying ratification but ultimately failing to block it.

Ivanov's term ended in 2019, and he was succeeded by Stevo Pendarovski. His presidency was marked by controversy over the name change and the wiretapping scandal.