Milan Djuric steps down as Novi Sad mayor

NOVI SAD - Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric announced on Tuesday he had resigned from his post.

"As a responsible man and a responsible politician, I am tendering my irrevocable resignation from the post of Novi Sad mayor. Stability and a calming of tensions and stopping further divisions in society are the key condition for further progress and development of Novi Sad and improvement of the life of the citizens of Novi Sad," Djuric said in a statement.

He called on the police to find the perpetrators of last night's physical attack on a female student in Novi Sad as soon as possible and urged the judiciary to punish them according to the law.

"In a time when society faces enormous tensions that are becoming more complex, threatening to cause further and deeper divisions, including the most recent violent attack on a female student - whom I wish a speedy recovery - as someone who believes in the power of dialogue and mutual understanding, I believe that accepting responsibility and tendering my resignation is my human and political obligation and moral duty," he said.

He noted that his resignation was no sign of weakness or backing off in the face of challenges, but an act of taking responsibility and opening up space for restoring trust among the citizens.

"This decision is an expression of my deep respect for the citizens of Novi Sad and of my faith in democratic processes, and the belief that, in this way, I will help to calm tensions and create space for constructive dialogue and for continuing projects aimed at further improving the life of all the people of Novi Sad," Djuric said.