After calling for sanctions against Russia, the Serbian Economy Minister, Rade Basta, has been subjected to calls for dismissal by the Movement of Socialists, which is part of the ruling coalition. 

Earlier today, in a meeting with the IMF, Basta reportedly expressed interest in imposing sanctions on Russia. Basta expressly that he supports President Aleksander Vucic but "does not understand why he does not impose sanctions" against Russia. 

"The Movement of Socialists reminds the Serbian public of the call for the dismissal of Rade Basta from the government. He acted earlier as an ill-mannered Russophobe, and now, before the IMF delegation, he showed that he is also undisciplined and opposes the state ... We call on Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to dismiss this incapable instigator and defend the honor of the institution she leads," the socialist party commented on the minister's statement. 

In October 2022, Basta, a conservative United Serbia party member, took office. 

The minister had encouraged the Serbian government to decide clearly on the Western sanctions against Russia, pointing out that Belgrade is already paying a severe price for its opposition to Western Sanctions.

Read more: West blackmailing Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia: Ambassador

Back in January, Russia’s Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko reiterated that the West is blackmailing Serbia to join the EU in imposing sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, at a time when Serbia has refused to join the draconian sanctions on Moscow.

The official highlighted that the EU is attempting to pull Serbia to its side in the matter of interaction with Russia, or punishing Belgrade for refusing to do so.

Read more: As EU isolates Russia, Serbia embraces old ally

Belgrade condemned Russia's military advancement in Ukraine at the United Nations but refused to impose sanctions against what it considers "an old ally," even though the country aims to join the EU.  

Last year, a three-year natural gas contract was signed between Belgrade and Moscow a day before the Europeans voted to ban most Russian oil imports.