Zdravko Ponoš
{{Short description|Serbian politician (born 1962)}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix = Lieutenant Colonel General
| name = Zdravko Ponoš
| native_name = Здравко Понош
| native_name_lang = sr
| image = Zdravko Ponoš, kandidat za predsednika Srbije.jpg
| alt = A photograph of Zdravko Ponoš in a blue suit while being interviewed by Južne vesti
| caption = Ponoš in 2022
| office = Member of the National Assembly of Serbia
| term_start = 6 February 2024
| term_end =
| office1 = Chief of the Serbian General Staff
| term_start1 = 13 December 2006
| term_end1 = 30 December 2008
| president1 = Boris Tadić
| predecessor1 = Ljubiša Jokić
| successor1 = Miloje Miletić
| birth_place = Knin, PR Croatia, FPR Yugoslavia
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|11|3|df=y}}
| citizenship = {{ubl|Serbian|Croatian}}
| party = {{ubl|Narodna (2017–2022)|SRCE (2022–present)}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Zdenka Ponoš|1986}}
| children = 1
| alma_mater = {{ubl|Military Technical Academy|University of Belgrade|Royal College of Defence Studies}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Politician|diplomat|general|author}}
| profession = Electronical engineer
| signature = Zdravko Ponoš signature.svg
| website = {{URL|zdravkoponos.rs}}
| allegiance = {{ubl|SFR Yugoslavia|FR Yugoslavia|Serbia}}
| branch = {{ubl|Yugoslav Ground Forces|Yugoslav Army|Serbian Army}}
| serviceyears = 1986–2009
| rank = Lt. Col. General
| commands = Chief of the General Staff (2006–2008)
| battles = Kosovo War
| mawards = 20px Order of Merit in the Field of Defense and Security
}}
Zdravko Ponoš ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Здравко Понош}}; born 3 November 1962) is a Serbian politician, former diplomat, and retired general who served as chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces from 2006 to 2008.
Born in Golubić, a village near Knin, Ponoš later moved to Zagreb, where he spent most of his youth and obtained a degree in electronic engineering. Ponoš moved to Serbia in 1986, where he began his military career. Two years later, he obtained a job at the Department of Development and Equipment in Belgrade, where he worked until 2002. Ponoš then acquired a position at the Ministry of Defense, where he served as an advisor to multiple ministers, including future president Boris Tadić. In 2005, he was promoted to the rank of major general after having served as a colonel since 2000, and also became deputy chief of the General Army. A year later, Tadić promoted him to become the chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces. As chief of the General Staff, Ponoš worked on army reforms and professionalisation, though this process stagnated in late 2008 due to a conflict with defense minister Dragan Šutanovac, which led to his dismissal in December 2008. Ponoš was retired as an army officer a year later.
After leaving the military, Ponoš worked as a diplomatic assistant to foreign affairs minister Vuk Jeremić, whom he previously worked with in the Serbian government. Their cooperation continued after 2012, and Ponoš served as chief of Jeremić's cabinet during his mandate as president of the UN General Assembly. After returning from the United States, they formed the Center for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development, with Ponoš initially serving as executive director and later as a senior advisor.
Ponoš entered politics in 2017 after participating in Jeremić's campaign team during the presidential election, and later that year, they founded the People's Party. He was a vice-president of the party until November 2021 and was the nominee of the United for the Victory of Serbia coalition in the 2022 Serbian presidential election, in which he placed second. He left the People's Party after the election and formed the Serbia Centre organisation in July 2022, which became a registered party a year later. He was elected to the National Assembly in the 2023 election. A centrist politician, he is in favour of the accession of Serbia to the European Union and military cooperation with NATO. He also criticised Aleksandar Vučić and the government's approach towards foreign relations and military.{{TOC limit|2}}
Early life and education
Zdravko Ponoš was born on 3 November 1962 in Golubić, a village near Knin, in the SR Croatia, Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia.{{Cite web|title=Zdravko Ponoš|url=https://www.istinomer.rs/akter/zdravko-ponos/|access-date=20 December 2020|website=Istinomer|language=sr-RS|archive-date=10 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210194828/https://www.istinomer.rs/akter/zdravko-ponos/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Stevanović|first=Dragoljub|date=17 December 2006|title=General iz Knina|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/19331/General-iz-Knina|access-date=26 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126231202/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/19331/General-iz-Knina|url-status=live}} He comes from a Serb family. He finished elementary school in Golubić and moved to Zagreb in his youth, where he finished secondary technical school and attended land forces high school. He decided to continue with military school, later stating that "it was something completely new and unknown".{{Cite web |last1=Švarm |first1=Filip |last2=Anastasijević |first2=Dejan |date=10 January 2007 |title=Ponoš i predrasude |url=https://www.vreme.com/vreme/ponos-i-predrasude-3/ |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224185243/https://www.vreme.com/vreme/ponos-i-predrasude-3/ |url-status=live }} Ponoš enrolled in a technical military academy in Zagreb, where he obtained a degree in electronic engineering in 1986.{{Cite web|last=Bibić|first=Radovan|date=14 October 2009|title=Ličnost Danas: Zdravko Ponoš|url=https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/licnost-danas-zdravko-ponos/|access-date=26 January 2022|website=Danas|language=sr-RS|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126104924/https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/licnost-danas-zdravko-ponos/|url-status=live}} He finished his postgraduate studies in 1999 at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, with a master's degree in Global Navigation Systems. During his time at the University of Belgrade, he published his work regarding Global Navigation Systems in a notable Japanese magazine. He attended the Royal College of Defense Studies in London and also completed courses in Switzerland and Germany. He had also completed STANAG 6001, a NATO course.
Military career
= 1980s–1990s =
Ponoš's military career began in 1986. After finishing military academy in Zagreb, he was offered a position there as an assistant, but he rejected the offer, instead choosing to work at the Military Technical Institute in Belgrade. Ponoš was stationed in Užice and SAP Kosovo. During that time, he worked on jamming TV Tirana broadcasts in Kosovo, later stating that "the job was rather futile, but the army did not assign those tasks themselves".{{Cite web|last=Telesković|first=Dušan|date=24 January 2022|title=Zdravko Ponoš - Životna priča|url=http://www.glassumadije.rs/zdravko-ponos-zivotna-prica/|access-date=26 January 2022|website=Glas Šumadije|language=sr-RS|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125151022/http://www.glassumadije.rs/zdravko-ponos-zivotna-prica/|url-status=live}} He was stationed in Kosovo until 1988, when he decided to move back to Belgrade to work at the Department of Development and Equipment. He described his job as "interesting", and that it was mainly concentrated on intensive contacts with civic institutes and companies. By the 1990s, he had already moved to Serbia, and during the beginning of the break-up of Yugoslavia, he thought of leaving the country, but ended up staying. During the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, he and his team used methods of detecting aircraft flying overhead to prevent greater losses, especially in AP Kosovo and Metohija. He described it as "the brightest phase of our work". Following the bombing, Ponoš was awarded the Order of Merit in the Field of Defense and Security by Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević.{{Cite web |last=Jovićević |first=Mihailo |date=24 March 2022 |title=Ponoš na Pinku pokazao orden za zasluge u ratu protiv NATO |url=https://nova.rs/izbori-2022/foto-ponos-na-pinku-pokazao-orden-za-zasluge-u-rata-protiv-nato/ |access-date=25 March 2022 |website=NOVA portal |language=sr-RS |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325183358/https://nova.rs/izbori-2022/foto-ponos-na-pinku-pokazao-orden-za-zasluge-u-rata-protiv-nato/ |url-status=live }}
= 2000s =
Ponoš was promoted to colonel in 2000 and five years later he became a major general. He experienced polarisation in the army during the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević, stating that "effective changes did not occur in the army after the 5 October revolution". He worked at the department until 2002, and shortly after he began working at the defense ministry. He had served as an advisor to Boris Tadić while he was the head of the defence ministry. During his time at the defence ministry, he was offered to form a "cooperation department with NATO" which he accepted. He described his time under Tadić as "a successful collaboration". Ponoš remained in that position until 2004, when he was appointed as chief of the directorate. In 2005, he became the deputy chief of the army. As deputy chief, he was primarily orientated towards army reform and professionalisation, and after the dissolution of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, he joined the team led by minister Zoran Stanković to continue the reforms.{{Cite web |last=Anastasijević |first=Dejan |date=13 December 2006 |title=Nema znanja u klubu penzionisanih generala |url=https://www.vreme.com/vreme/nema-znanja-u-klubu-penzionisanih-generala/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134313/https://www.vreme.com/vreme/nema-znanja-u-klubu-penzionisanih-generala/ |url-status=live }} At that time, he was one of the youngest members of the general staff.
= Chief of the General Staff (2006–2008) =
File:Zdravko Ponoš i Majkl Malen.jpg (left) and Ponoš (right) in 2007]]Ponoš was appointed by Tadić, by then president of Serbia, as the chief of the General Staff on 13 December 2006.{{Cite web|date=13 December 2006|title=General Zdravko Ponoš načelnik Generalštaba|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/19158/%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB-%D0%97%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%88-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%88%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B0|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127122719/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/19158/%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB-%D0%97%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%88-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%88%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B0|url-status=live}} He was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/298862365 |title=Human rights: hostage to the state's regression |publisher=Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia |year=2007 |isbn=978-86-7208-138-1 |location=Belgrade |pages=179 |oclc=298862365 |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112241/https://www.worldcat.org/title/human-rights-hostage-to-the-states-regression-annual-report-serbia-2006/oclc/298862365 |url-status=live }} His appointment was described by academics as "a package for faster access to European integration" due to his status as a pro-Western general.{{Cite book|last=Biserko|first=Sonja|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/464609878|title=Ljudska prava: talac društvene regresije|publisher=Helsinški odbor za ljudska prava u Srbiji|year=2007|isbn=978-86-7208-137-4|location=Beograd|pages=13|language=sr|oclc=464609878|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=2 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112241/https://www.worldcat.org/title/ljudska-prava-talac-drustvene-regresije-godisnji-izvestaj-srbija-2006/oclc/464609878|url-status=live}} As chief of the general staff, he continued his support for army reform and professionalisation, and also stated his support for higher salaries for army officers and for army cooperation with neighbouring countries, European Union and NATO.{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/751771669|title=Human rights, democracy and--violence : annual report, Serbia 2009|date=2009|first=Dragan |last=Novaković|isbn=978-86-7208-161-9|location=Belgrade|oclc=751771669|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=2 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112242/https://www.worldcat.org/title/human-rights-democracy-and-violence-annual-report-serbia-2009/oclc/751771669|url-status=live}}
During his first week as chief of the general staff, he represented Serbia during the opening of the NATO liaison office in Serbia.{{Cite web |date=19 December 2006 |title=Kancelarija NATO-a u Beogradu |url=https://www.bbc.com/serbian/news/2006/12/061218_bgd_nato_office |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=BBC News |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134312/https://www.bbc.com/serbian/news/2006/12/061218_bgd_nato_office |url-status=live }} Dragan Šutanovac replaced Stanković as defence minister in May 2007.{{Cite web |date=16 May 2007 |title=Članovi nove Vlade Srbije |url=https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2007&mm=05&dd=16&nav_category=418&nav_id=246707 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=B92 |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134312/https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2007&mm=05&dd=16&nav_category=418&nav_id=246707 |url-status=live }} Four days later, Ponoš travelled to the United States where he met with the US chief of staff.{{Cite web |last=Nikolić |first=Milan |date=22 May 2007 |title=General Ponoš u SAD |url=http://www.novinar.de/2007/05/22/general-ponos-u-sad.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Novinar |language=sr |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112243/http://www.novinar.de/2007/05/22/general-ponos-u-sad.html |url-status=live }} Ponoš commented in October that "the army would not protect war criminals that were convicted by ICTY".{{Cite web |last=Bugarinović |first=Nebojša |date=25 October 2007 |title=Strani agenti tragaju za haškim beguncima |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/718094.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Free Europe |language=sh |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134314/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/718094.html |url-status=live }} Later in December, Ponoš and Šutanovac stayed for several days near administrative lines with Kosovo to observe the situation, which they later stated to be "peaceful" and that "destabilization in this part of Serbia would not be expected to occur".{{Cite web|last=Davinić|first=A.|date=16 December 2007|title=Vojska garant mira na jugu Srbije|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/9246/Vojska-garant-mira-na-jugu-Srbije|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134313/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/9246/Vojska-garant-mira-na-jugu-Srbije|url-status=live}} In October 2008, he met with army representatives of Turkey and Norway.{{Cite web |date=9 October 2008 |title=General Ponoš primio komandanta specijalnih snaga OS Turske |url=https://www.vs.rs/sr_lat/vesti/3DCAC71D08B6102CA27D4EC0D9FE7033/general-ponos-primio-komandanta-specijalnih-snaga-os-turske |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vojska Srbije |language=sr |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125160716/https://www.vs.rs/sr_lat/vesti/3DCAC71D08B6102CA27D4EC0D9FE7033/general-ponos-primio-komandanta-specijalnih-snaga-os-turske |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=17 October 2008 |title=General Ponoš primio državnog sekretara MO Norveške |url=https://www.vs.rs/sr_lat/vesti/DA7A6E2B08A9102CA27D4EC0D9FE7033/general-ponos-primio-drzavnog-sekretara-mo-norveske |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vojska Srbije |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144952/https://www.vs.rs/sr_lat/vesti/DA7A6E2B08A9102CA27D4EC0D9FE7033/general-ponos-primio-drzavnog-sekretara-mo-norveske |url-status=live }} A month later, he expressed his support to change the Kumanovo Agreement.{{Cite web|date=29 November 2008|title=Tadić: Vrijeme za promjenu Kumanovskog sporazuma|url=https://www.nezavisne.com/novosti/ex-yu/Tadic-Vrijeme-za-promjenu-Kumanovskog-sporazuma/33336|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Nezavisne novine|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144951/https://www.nezavisne.com/novosti/ex-yu/Tadic-Vrijeme-za-promjenu-Kumanovskog-sporazuma/33336|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Ćirić |first=Aleksandra |date=3 December 2008 |title=Srpski napad na zonu kopnene bezbednosti |url=https://www.vreme.com/nedelja/srpski-napad-na-zonu-kopnene-bezbednosti/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144952/https://www.vreme.com/nedelja/srpski-napad-na-zonu-kopnene-bezbednosti/ |url-status=live }}
File:Ponos i Sutanovac 2008.jpg
A conflict between Ponoš and Šutanovac became public after Ponoš stated in an interview that reforms were allegedly stopped by the ministry, and that Šutanovac allegedly violated military's autonomy.{{Cite web |date=24 December 2008 |title=Sukob Ponoš - Šutanovac |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/35174/sukob-ponos---sutanovac.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Television of Serbia |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127155130/https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/35174/sukob-ponos---sutanovac.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Ejdus |first=Filip |title=Democratic Security Sector Governance in Serbia |publisher=Peace Research Institute |year=2010 |location=Fankfurt |pages=13}} Shortly after, Tadić stated that "the defense system is stable" during an interview.{{Cite web |date=25 December 2008 |title=Tadić: Sistem odbrane je stabilan |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/35164/tadic-sistem-odbrane-je-stabilan.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Television of Serbia |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127145255/https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/35164/tadic-sistem-odbrane-je-stabilan.html |url-status=live }} Tadić then decided to side with Šutanovac in this conflict, and he dismissed Ponoš on 30 December, after alleging that he had violating military rules.{{Cite web |date=30 December 2008 |title=Razrešen general Ponoš |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/36166/razresen-general-ponos.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Television of Serbia |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127155124/https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/36166/razresen-general-ponos.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=30 December 2008 |title=Smenjen Zdravko Ponoš |url=https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2008&mm=12&dd=30&nav_category=11&nav_id=336976 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=B92 |language=sr |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126104942/https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2008&mm=12&dd=30&nav_category=11&nav_id=336976 |url-status=live }} Ponoš was previously called by conservative politicians to resign due to his reforms and pro-Western views.{{Cite book |last=Biserko |first=Sonja |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1226748751 |title=Self-Isolation, the reality and the goal |publisher=Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia |year=2008 |isbn=978-86-7208-146-6 |location=Belgrade |pages=164 |oclc=1226748751 |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112243/https://www.worldcat.org/title/self-isolation-the-reality-and-the-goal-annual-report-serbia-2007/oclc/1226748751 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |url-status=live}}{{Cite book |last=Biserko |first=Sonja |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/849801073 |title=Yugoslaviaʹs implosion : the fatal attraction of Serbian nationalism |year=2008 |isbn=978-82-91809-01-4 |location=[Oslo] |pages=299 |oclc=849801073 |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112245/https://www.worldcat.org/title/yugoslavias-implosion-the-fatal-attraction-of-serbian-nationalism/oclc/849801073 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |url-status=live}} This had sparked media attention in April 2007.{{Cite web |last=Sikavica |first=Stipe |date=14 April 2007 |title=Kome smeta general Zdravko Ponoš |url=https://www.danas.rs/nedelja/kome-smeta-general-zdravko-ponos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134315/https://www.danas.rs/nedelja/kome-smeta-general-zdravko-ponos/ |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS}} Radio Free Europe journalist Branka Mihajlović had considered the conflict to be a "political showdown within the Democratic Party".{{Cite web |title=Politički, a ne "vojni" sukob |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/1363344.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144950/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/1363344.html |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Free Europe |language=sh}}
Under Ponoš, the Ohio Army National Guard and Serbia cooperated and engaged in military drills under the auspices of the US State Partnership Program;{{Cite web |date=14 July 2008 |title=Ohio, Serbia continue cooperation, training |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/573367/ohio-serbia-continue-cooperation-training/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144953/https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/573367/ohio-serbia-continue-cooperation-training/ |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=National Guard |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Shanker |first=Thom |date=20 October 2008 |title=In Serbia, Top U.S. Officer Seeks Military Cooperation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/world/europe/21mullen.html |access-date=6 September 2022 |issn=0362-4331}} the program was implemented in September 2007, shortly before his appointment as chief of the General Staff.{{Cite web |title=State Partnership Programme |url=http://www.mod.gov.rs/eng/4364/program-drzavnog-partnerstva-4364 |access-date=6 September 2022 |website=Ministry of Defence}} Ponoš declassified parts of the transcripts from the sessions of the collegium of the chief of the General Staff revealing that Slobodan Milošević and later, to a lesser extent, Vojislav Koštunica, planned to use the army for political purposes, especially in Montenegro.{{Cite web |last=Kusovac |first=Srđan |date=18 May 2007 |title=Beograd |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/704397.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Free Europe |language=sh |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134906/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/704397.html |url-status=live }} During his time as chief of the General Staff, the army held highest approval ratings according to the Serbian public.{{Cite web |last=Lazić |first=Jasmina |date=14 May 2008 |title=Drugi put u dva veka |url=https://www.vreme.com/mozaik/drugi-put-u-dva-veka/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144952/https://www.vreme.com/mozaik/drugi-put-u-dva-veka/ |url-status=live }} He was succeeded by Miloje Miletić in February 2009.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2009 |title=Miloje Miletić novi načelnik Generalštaba |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/44716/miloje-miletic-novi-nacelnik-generalstaba.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Television of Serbia |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127165542/https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/44716/miloje-miletic-novi-nacelnik-generalstaba.html |url-status=live }}
= Retirement =
After his dismissal as chief of the General Staff, Ponoš stayed in the army for another year, although unallocated. Ponoš expressed a wish to become an assistant for Vuk Jeremić's foreign affairs ministry, although Šutanovac stated that "he does not intend to propose his retirement to Tadić" and he suggested Ponoš should resign from his position in the defence ministry.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2009 |title=Šutanovac traži da Ponoš da otkaz |url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/sutanovac-trazi-da-ponos-da-otkaz/5e9zy7n |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Blic |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127152449/https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/sutanovac-trazi-da-ponos-da-otkaz/5e9zy7n |url-status=live }} He was retired by president Tadić on 31 December 2009.{{Cite web |date=4 January 2010 |title=Penzionisan Zdravko Ponoš |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/412081/penzionisan-zdravko-ponos.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Television of Serbia |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127172420/https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/412081/penzionisan-zdravko-ponos.html |url-status=live }}
Political career
= Early period =
File:Zdravko Ponoš cirsd 2014.jpg
His interest into politics developed while he was reading the newspaper Borba, and during his time at the army in the 1990s, he opposed the regime of Slobodan Milošević. He met Tadić during the early 2000s, with whom he had a discussion regarding the army during their first encounter. During the campaign period for the 2008 elections, Ponoš stated that "frequent elections do not negatively affect army reforms".{{Cite web |date=12 April 2008 |title=Izbori ne utiču na reformu Vojske |url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/izbori-ne-uticu-na-reformu-vojske/5xcy2d1 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Blic |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127144948/https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/izbori-ne-uticu-na-reformu-vojske/5xcy2d1 |url-status=live }}
Shortly after his retirement from the military, he became an assistant to Jeremić.{{Cite web|date=14 January 2010|title=Ponoš pomoćnik šefa diplomatije|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/119514/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%88-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%9B%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D1%88%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127160653/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/119514/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%88-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%9B%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D1%88%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5|url-status=live}} Ponoš previously cooperated with Jeremić during the early 2000s while Jeremić served as an advisor to Tadić. In April 2010, he was a part of the delegation that confirmed the friendship with Libya.{{Cite web|date=3 April 2010|title=Potvrđeno prijateljstvo sa Libijom|url=https://www.republikasrpska.net/2010/04/03/potvrdeno-prijateljstvo-sa-libijom/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Internet Portal Republika Srpska|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127160700/https://www.republikasrpska.net/2010/04/03/potvrdeno-prijateljstvo-sa-libijom/|url-status=live}} Ponoš opened an exhibition in June 2011 to promote the history of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia.{{Cite web|date=10 June 2011|title=Kralj i Bartu – slika sa mnogo simbolike|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/180420/Kralj-i-Bartu-slika-sa-mnogo-simbolike|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127160652/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/180420/Kralj-i-Bartu-slika-sa-mnogo-simbolike|url-status=live}} He continued to work for Jeremić after the change of government in 2012.{{Cite web|date=22 January 2022|title=Ko je Zdravko Ponoš, kandidat opozicije za predsednika|url=https://direktno.rs/politika/394199/zdravko-ponos-predsednicki-kandidat-biografija.html|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Direktno|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127160659/https://direktno.rs/politika/394199/zdravko-ponos-predsednicki-kandidat-biografija.html|url-status=live}} He later became the chief of Jeremić's cabinet while he was the president of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://www.cirsd.org/sr-latn/leadership/tim/zdravko-ponos|title=Zdravko Ponoš|publisher=Centar za Međunarodnu Saradnju I Održivi Razvoj|language=sr|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414084247/https://www.cirsd.org/sr-latn/leadership/tim/zdravko-ponos|archive-date=14 April 2022}} During that time, he resided in New York City. After coming back to Belgrade, Ponoš and Jeremić founded the Center for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development (CIRSD).{{Cite web|last=Bukvić|first=D.|date=6 November 2013|title=Predstavljen Centar za međunarodnu saradnju i održivi razvoj|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/275029/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%99%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D0%A6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%92%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%83-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%9A%D1%83-%D0%B8-%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%98|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127162817/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/275029/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%99%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D0%A6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%92%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%83-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%9A%D1%83-%D0%B8-%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%98|url-status=live}} Ponoš held the position of executive director, while Jeremić was elected as president.{{Cite web |last=Barredo |first=Lauren |date=4 June 2014 |title=CIRSD Joins New Earth Institute SDSN Advisory Group |url=http://unsdsn.org/news/2014/06/04/cirsd-joins-new-earth-institute-sdsn-advisory-group/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Sustainable Development Solutions Network |language=en |archive-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805065624/https://www.unsdsn.org/news/2014/06/04/cirsd-joins-new-earth-institute-sdsn-advisory-group |url-status=live }} He later served as senior advisor.{{Cite web |date=February 2022 |title=Upoznaj Ponoša |url=https://zdravkoponos.rs/upoznaj-ponosa/ |access-date=1 March 2022 |website=Zdravko Ponoš |language=sr |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301142847/https://zdravkoponos.rs/upoznaj-ponosa/ |url-status=live }}
= Contemporary career =
File:Savez za Srbiju lideri2.jpgAfter his army and diplomatic careers, Ponoš entered politics in 2017, and participated in Jeremić's campaign team during the 2017 presidential election. Jeremić placed fourth, winning 5.65% of the popular vote.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2017 |title=Zvanični rezultati predsedničkih izbora 2017. |url=https://www.vreme.com/projekat/zvanicni-rezultati-predsednickih-izbora-2017/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127164152/https://www.vreme.com/projekat/zvanicni-rezultati-predsednickih-izbora-2017/ |url-status=live }} Later that year in October, he participated in the foundation of the People's Party.{{Cite web|date=22 October 2017|title=Osnovana Narodna stranka, Jeremić predsednik|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/391218/Osnovana-Narodna-stranka-Jeremic-predsednik|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127171205/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/391218/Osnovana-Narodna-stranka-Jeremic-predsednik|url-status=live}} He was elected as vice-president at the first party conference.{{Cite web |date=22 October 2017 |title=Jeremić izabran za predsednika Narodne stranke |url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/jeremic-izabran-za-predsednika-narodne-stranke/28k5xhq |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Blic |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127160643/https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/jeremic-izabran-za-predsednika-narodne-stranke/28k5xhq |url-status=live }}
Ponoš supported the formation of a wider coalition for the 2018 Belgrade City Assembly election that would be composed of opposition parties.{{Cite web|date=21 December 2017|title=Ponoš: Što širi front opozicije, bolji i rezultat|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a350911-Ponos-Sto-siri-front-opozicije-bolji-i-rezultat/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127184020/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a350911-ponos-sto-siri-front-opozicije-bolji-i-rezultat/|url-status=live}} He appeared on the ballot list, which ended up winning 19% of the popular vote.{{Cite web|date=4 February 2018|title=Ponoš: Izbori prilika da promenimo loše stanje u Beogradu|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a361970-Ponos-Izbori-prilika-da-promenimo-lose-stanje-u-Beogradu/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127184023/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a361970-ponos-izbori-prilika-da-promenimo-lose-stanje-u-beogradu/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=5 March 2018|title=Konačni rezultati beogradskih izbora 2018.|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a369485-Konacni-rezultati-beogradskih-izbora-2018/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419122547/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a369485-Konacni-rezultati-beogradskih-izbora-2018/|url-status=live}} Later that year, he supported the appointment of Milan Mojsilović as chief of the General Staff.{{Cite web|date=6 December 2018|title=Zdravko Ponoš o novom načelniku Generalštaba vojske Srbije|url=https://www.ktv.rs/2018/12/06/zdravko-ponos-o-novom-nacelniniku-generalstaba-vojske-srbije/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=KTV|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127190653/https://www.ktv.rs/2018/12/06/zdravko-ponos-o-novom-nacelniniku-generalstaba-vojske-srbije/|url-status=live}} He was also one of the representatives of the opposition during the protests in 2018 and 2019.{{Cite web|date=14 March 2019|title=Ponoš: Oročavamo protest i podižemo ulog, Vučić neće sam da ode|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a468275-Ponos-Orocavamo-protest-i-podizemo-ulog-Vucic-nece-sam-da-ode/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127191556/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a468275-ponos-orocavamo-protest-i-podizemo-ulog-vucic-nece-sam-da-ode/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=15 March 2019|title=Zdravko Ponoš: Podižemo ulog mitingom 13. aprila, nije dovoljno da Vučić sam ode|url=http://www.glassumadije.rs/zdravko-ponos-podizemo-ulog-mitingom-13-aprila-nije-dovoljno-da-vucic-sam-ode/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Glas Šumadije|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127191606/http://www.glassumadije.rs/zdravko-ponos-podizemo-ulog-mitingom-13-aprila-nije-dovoljno-da-vucic-sam-ode/|url-status=live}} In July 2019, he stated his opposition to participating in the 2020 parliamentary election, and called for other parties to boycott.{{Cite web|date=19 July 2019|title=Ponoš: Nema smisla izlaziti na izbore|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a501172-Ponos-Nema-smisla-izlaziti-na-izbore/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127192933/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a501172-ponos-nema-smisla-izlaziti-na-izbore/|url-status=live}} This move was later adopted by the Alliance for Serbia, which his party was a part of.{{Cite web |last=Martinović |first=Iva |date=17 September 2019 |title=Koraci posle odluke o bojkotu izbora u Srbiji |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/savez-za-srbiju-izbori-bojkot/30169815.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Radio Free Europe |language=sh |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127192931/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/savez-za-srbiju-izbori-bojkot/30169815.html |url-status=live }} He also called for citizens to boycott the parliamentary election.{{Cite web|date=1 June 2020|title=Ponoš: Ostanite kod kuće 21. juna|url=https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-ostanite-kod-kuce-21-juna/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=NOVA portal|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127202212/https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-ostanite-kod-kuce-21-juna/|url-status=live}} Ponoš was re-elected as vice-president of the People's Party in November 2019.{{Cite web|date=3 November 2019|title=Narodna stranka izabrala novo-staro rukovodstvo|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a540691-Narodna-stranka-izabrala-novo-staro-rukovodstvo/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127180306/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a540691-narodna-stranka-izabrala-novo-staro-rukovodstvo/|url-status=live}} At a party conference in the same month, Ponoš was chosen as the ballot representative for the upcoming Belgrade City Assembly election,{{Cite web |date=18 September 2020 |title=Ponoš predvodi Narodnu stranku, Jeremić: Generalu povereno oslobađanje Beograda na izborima 2022. |url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-predvodi-narodnu-stranku-jeremic-generalu-povereno-oslobadanje-beograda-na/fefmzd5 |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Blic.rs |language=sr |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127205202/https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-predvodi-narodnu-stranku-jeremic-generalu-povereno-oslobadanje-beograda-na/fefmzd5 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Đurić|first=Dimitrije|date=19 September 2020|title=Generalu Ponošu biće povereno oslobađanje Beograda 2022. godine|url=https://www.nedeljnik.rs/generalu-ponosu-bice-povereno-oslobadanje-beograda-2022-godine/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Nedeljnik|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127205201/https://www.nedeljnik.rs/generalu-ponosu-bice-povereno-oslobadanje-beograda-2022-godine/|url-status=live}} although Ponoš later rejected the offer.{{Cite web|date=9 December 2020|title=Ponoš: Nisam kandidat za gradonačelnika|url=https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nisam-kandidat-za-gradonacelnika/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=NOVA portal|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127212344/https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nisam-kandidat-za-gradonacelnika/|url-status=live}} After boycotting the 2020 election, Ponoš announced that "opposition parties will exert pressure to the government in order to hold the future election under fair conditions".{{Cite web|date=23 October 2020|title=Ponoš: Opozicija će vršiti pritisak da izbori budu održani pod fer uslovima|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a664170-Ponos-Opozicija-ce-vrsiti-pritisak-da-izbori-budu-odrzani-pod-fer-uslovima/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127205204/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a664170-ponos-opozicija-ce-vrsiti-pritisak-da-izbori-budu-odrzani-pod-fer-uslovima/|url-status=live}} In early 2021, he expressed his support for a joint participation in the 2022 general election and for a joint opposition presidential candidate.{{Cite web|date=17 February 2021|title=Ponoš: Ideja o zajedničkom nastupu opozicije još nije propala|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-ideja-o-zajednickom-nastupu-opozicije-jos-nije-propala/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127212130/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-ideja-o-zajednickom-nastupu-opozicije-jos-nije-propala/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=6 September 2021|title=Ponoš: Opoziciji potreban jedan, najbolji, zajednički kandidat|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-opoziciji-potreban-jedan-najbolji-zajednicki-kandidat/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127214149/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-opoziciji-potreban-jedan-najbolji-zajednicki-kandidat/|url-status=live}} Ponoš was also one of the participants of the inter-party dialogues on electoral conditions that took place during 2021.{{Cite web|date=11 September 2021|title=Ponoš: Opozicija mora da drži prst na obaraču, a obarač se zove bojkot|url=https://www.euronews.rs/svet/fokus/16307/ponos-opozicija-mora-da-drzi-prst-na-obaracu-a-obarac-se-zove-bojkot/vest|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Euronews|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127214147/https://www.euronews.rs/svet/fokus/16307/ponos-opozicija-mora-da-drzi-prst-na-obaracu-a-obarac-se-zove-bojkot/vest|url-status=live}} Ponoš stepped down as vice-president of the People's Party at its party conference in November 2021.{{Cite web|date=25 November 2021|title=Ponoš se neće ponovo kandidovati za potpredsednika Narodne stranke|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-se-nece-ponovo-kandidovati-za-potpredsednika-narodne-stranke/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127222037/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-se-nece-ponovo-kandidovati-za-potpredsednika-narodne-stranke/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=25 November 2021|title=Ponoš o napuštanju predsedništva NS: Nisam spreman na "trule kompromise"|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-o-napustanju-predsednistva-ns-nisam-spreman-na-trule-kompromise/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127223924/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-o-napustanju-predsednistva-ns-nisam-spreman-na-trule-kompromise/|url-status=live}}
= 2022 election =
File:Zdravko Ponoš in Vranje.png
Ponoš stated in early November 2021 that he would run for the presidency if "opposition parties unite themselves at all levels".{{Cite web|date=2 November 2021|title=Ponoš: Jedinstvo opozicije je preduslov da se kandidujem za predsednika|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-jedinstvo-opozicije-je-preduslov-da-se-kandidujem-za-predsednika/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=2 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102101416/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-jedinstvo-opozicije-je-preduslov-da-se-kandidujem-za-predsednika/|url-status=live}} Jeremić stated that he was surprised by this move,{{Cite web|date=4 November 2021|title=Jeremić: Pominjanje Ponoša kao kandidata iznenađenje za sve nas u stranci|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/jeremic-o-pominjanju-ponosa-kao-kandidata/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127220533/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/jeremic-o-pominjanju-ponosa-kao-kandidata/|url-status=live}} and also stated that the candidate should rather be reached by consensus between opposition parties.{{Cite web|date=26 November 2021|title=Jeremić: Lažna vest da ne želim da Ponoš bude kandidat, odluka konsenzusom|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/jeremic-o-ponosu/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127220533/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/jeremic-o-ponosu/|url-status=live}} Sanda Rašković Ivić, one of the vice-presidents of the People's Party, condemned the attacks that were done by pro-government media and MPs on Ponoš.{{Cite web|date=8 November 2021|title=Rašković Ivić o napadima na Ponoša: Liči na ono što je radio Hitlerov režim|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/raskovic-ivic-o-napadima-na-ponosa-lici-na-ono-sto-je-radio-hitlerov-rezim/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127220533/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/raskovic-ivic-o-napadima-na-ponosa-lici-na-ono-sto-je-radio-hitlerov-rezim/|url-status=live}} On 22 January, the Party of Freedom and Justice proposed Ponoš as a joint opposition candidate, while Jeremić stated that his party was ready to back him up.{{Cite web|date=22 January 2022|title=SSP predložio da Zdravko Ponoš bude predsednički kandidat opozicije|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ssp-predlozio-da-zdravko-ponos-bude-predsednicki-kandidat-opozicije/|access-date=25 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122140340/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ssp-predlozio-da-zdravko-ponos-bude-predsednicki-kandidat-opozicije/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=24 January 2022|title=Jeremić: Aleksić je naš prvi izbor, ali spremni smo da podržimo Ponoša|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/jeremic-aleksic-je-nas-prvi-izbor-ali-spremni-smo-da-podrzimo-ponosa/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127222229/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/jeremic-aleksic-je-nas-prvi-izbor-ali-spremni-smo-da-podrzimo-ponosa/|url-status=live}} Leaders of the coalition held discussions on 28 and 29 January, after which they concluded their support for Ponoš as presidential candidate.{{Cite web|date=23 January 2022|title=PSG podržava kandidaturu Zdravka Ponoša za predsednika|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/psg-podrzava-kandidaturu-zdravka-ponosa-za-predsednika/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127222231/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/psg-podrzava-kandidaturu-zdravka-ponosa-za-predsednika/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=23 January 2022|title=Pokret za preokret podržao kandidature Zdravka Ponoša i Marinike Tepić|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/pokret-za-preokret-podrzao-kandidature-zdravka-ponosa-i-marinike-tepic/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127222233/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/pokret-za-preokret-podrzao-kandidature-zdravka-ponosa-i-marinike-tepic/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=29 January 2022|title=Narodna stranka podržala Zdravka Ponoša za predsedničkog kandidata|url=https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/narodna-stranka-podrzala-zdravka-ponosa-za-predsednickog-kandidata/|access-date=29 January 2022|website=NOVA portal|language=sr-RS|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129211647/https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/narodna-stranka-podrzala-zdravka-ponosa-za-predsednickog-kandidata/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=29 January 2022|title=Demokratska stranka podržala Ponoša za predsedničkog kandidata opozicije|url=https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/demokratska-stranka-podrzala-ponosa-za-predsednickog-kandidata-opozicije/|access-date=29 January 2022|website=NOVA portal|language=sr-RS|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129200126/https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/demokratska-stranka-podrzala-ponosa-za-predsednickog-kandidata-opozicije/|url-status=live}} On 2 February, Ponoš was presented as the presidential candidate of the United for the Victory of Serbia coalition.{{Cite web|date=2 February 2022|title=Ponoš: Vredelo je čekati, moj uslov je bio jedinstvo – sada to imamo|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-vredelo-je-cekati-moj-uslov-je-bio-jedinstvo-sada-to-imamo/|access-date=2 February 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202115535/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-vredelo-je-cekati-moj-uslov-je-bio-jedinstvo-sada-to-imamo/|url-status=live}} His candidacy was confirmed by the Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) on 6 March.{{Cite web |date=6 March 2022 |title=RIK: Zdravko Ponoš i Miloš Jovanović zvanično predsednički kandidati |url=https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/rik-zdravko-ponos-i-milos-jovanovic-zvanicno-predsednicki-kandidati/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309183544/https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/rik-zdravko-ponos-i-milos-jovanovic-zvanicno-predsednicki-kandidati/ |url-status=live }} Beginning in February, Ponoš had announced his advisors who would cooperate with him if he were to get elected president.{{Cite web|date=21 February 2022|title=Ponoš najavio da će mu Dragojević i Kovačević biti savetnici|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/500016/Ponos-najavio-da-ce-mu-Dragojevic-i-Kovacevic-biti-savetnici|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221132947/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/500016/Ponos-najavio-da-ce-mu-Dragojevic-i-Kovacevic-biti-savetnici|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=20 February 2022|title=Ponoš: Praktično sam dogovorio da mi Srđan Dragojević i Siniša Kovačević budu savetnici|url=https://www.nedeljnik.rs/ponos-prakticno-sam-dogovorio-da-mi-srdan-dragojevic-i-sinisa-kovacevic-budu-savetnici/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Nedeljnik|language=sr|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221133100/https://www.nedeljnik.rs/ponos-prakticno-sam-dogovorio-da-mi-srdan-dragojevic-i-sinisa-kovacevic-budu-savetnici/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=U Ponoševom timu i Čupić, Teodorović i Miodrag Stojković |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/u-ponosevom-timu-i-cupic-teodorovic-i-miodrag-stojkovic/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308194235/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/u-ponosevom-timu-i-cupic-teodorovic-i-miodrag-stojkovic/ |url-status=live }} During his campaign, Ponoš held rallies in cities and towns across Serbia.{{Cite web |last=Mišić |first=Zoran |date=17 March 2022 |title=Zdravko Ponoš i Marinika Tepić u subotu na konvenciji u Kragujevcu |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/zdravko-ponos-i-marinika-tepic-u-subotu-na-konvenciji-u-kragujevcu/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317170658/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/zdravko-ponos-i-marinika-tepic-u-subotu-na-konvenciji-u-kragujevcu/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=15 March 2022 |title=Predsednički kandidat Zdravko Ponoš i nosilac liste Marinika Tepić sutra u Vranju |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/predsednicki-kandidat-zdravko-ponos-i-nosilac-liste-marinika-tepic-sutra-u-vranju/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317213153/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/predsednicki-kandidat-zdravko-ponos-i-nosilac-liste-marinika-tepic-sutra-u-vranju/ |url-status=live }} He placed second in the presidential election after winning 18% of the popular vote.{{Cite web |date=4 April 2022 |title=CeSID objavio konačnu projekciju predsedničkih izbora: Vučiću 58,3 odsto glasova, Ponoš na 18,3 |url=https://beta.rs/izbori2020/161790-cesid-objavio-konacnu-projekciju-predsednickih-izbora-vucicu-58-3-odsto-glasova-ponos-na-18-3 |access-date=4 April 2022 |website=Novinska agencija Beta |language=sr |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112246/https://beta.rs/izbori2020/161790-cesid-objavio-konacnu-projekciju-predsednickih-izbora-vucicu-58-3-odsto-glasova-ponos-na-18-3 |url-status=live }} Ponoš has been a target of attacks by the pro-government media from 2021 and during the 2022 campaign period.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2022 |title=Tabloidima na Ponoša: "Tajkun među generalima" i ostale priče |url=https://www.vreme.com/vesti/tabloidima-na-ponosa-tajkun-medju-generalima-i-ostale-price/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206131348/https://www.vreme.com/vesti/tabloidima-na-ponosa-tajkun-medju-generalima-i-ostale-price/ |archive-date=6 February 2022 |access-date=6 February 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS}}{{Cite web |last=Dragojlo |first=Saša |date=17 February 2022 |title=Presidential Challenger says Serbia Faces Vote between Good and Evil |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2022/02/17/presidential-challenger-says-serbia-faces-vote-between-good-and-evil/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221140716/https://balkaninsight.com/2022/02/17/presidential-challenger-says-serbia-faces-vote-between-good-and-evil/ |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=21 February 2022 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=16 February 2022 |title="Zdravko Franjin", "Čekuov pašenog": U lažnim vestima o Ponošu nadimci u prvom planu |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/demostat/zdravko-franjin-cekuov-pasenog-u-laznim-vestima-o-ponosu-nadimci-u-prvom-planu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313083548/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/demostat/zdravko-franjin-cekuov-pasenog-u-laznim-vestima-o-ponosu-nadimci-u-prvom-planu/ |archive-date=13 March 2022 |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS}}{{Cite web |last=Živanović |first=Katarina |date=27 January 2022 |title=Ponoš na meti prljave hajke tabloida, i nije jedini |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/drustvo/prljava-tabloidna-hajka-za-racun-vlasti/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=15 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215094714/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/drustvo/prljava-tabloidna-hajka-za-racun-vlasti/ |url-status=live }}
= Post-election career =
Following his election loss, Ponoš left the People's Party.{{Cite web |date=5 April 2022 |title=Zdravko Ponoš napustio Narodnu stranku |url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/zdravko-ponos-napustio-narodnu-stranku/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430094720/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/zdravko-ponos-napustio-narodnu-stranku/ |archive-date=30 April 2022 |access-date=5 April 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}} On 16 June 2022, he announced that he would form a political organisation that would be orientated towards pro-Europeanism.{{Cite web |date=15 June 2022 |title=Ponoš osniva stranku, pozvao građane da predlože ime |url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-osniva-stranku-pozvao-gradjane-da-predloze-ime/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616231531/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-osniva-stranku-pozvao-gradjane-da-predloze-ime/ |archive-date=16 June 2022 |access-date=16 June 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}}{{Cite web |date=17 June 2022 |title=Ponoš: Pokret koji osnivam biće okrenut pristupanju EU |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-pokret-koji-osnivam-bice-okrenut-pristupanju-eu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620125441/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-pokret-koji-osnivam-bice-okrenut-pristupanju-eu/ |archive-date=20 June 2022 |access-date=20 June 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS}} In July, Ponoš had announced that the organisation would be named Serbia Centre (SRCE).{{Cite web |date=5 July 2022 |title=Ponoš osnovao organizaciju "Srbija centar" |url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-osnovao-organizaciju-srbija-centar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705115606/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-osnovao-organizaciju-srbija-centar/ |archive-date=5 July 2022 |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}}{{Cite web |date=6 July 2022 |title=Ponoš: Sklanjanje SNS sa vlasti nije završetak posla, već prvi i neophodan korak |url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-sklanjanje-sns-sa-vlasti-nije-zavrsetak-posla-vec-prvi-i-neophodan-korak/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706113001/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-sklanjanje-sns-sa-vlasti-nije-zavrsetak-posla-vec-prvi-i-neophodan-korak/ |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}} As the president of SRCE, Ponoš criticised President Aleksandar Vučić's approach towards foreign policy, most notably regarding the European Union and Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2022 |title=Sve smo dalje od članstva u Evropskoj uniji: Ponoš o izveštaju EK |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/sve-smo-dalje-od-clanstva-u-evropskoj-uniji-ponos-o-izvestaju-ek/ |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS}}{{Cite web |date=28 September 2022 |title=Ponoš: Nepriznavanje rezultata referenduma u ukrajinskim oblastima je kontrola štete |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nepriznavanje-rezultata-referenduma-u-ukrajinskim-oblastima-je-kontrola-stete/ |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS}} Its leadership was elected in December 2022, with Ponoš officially serving as its president.{{Cite web |date=4 December 2022 |title=Ponoš i zvanično izabran za predsednika pokreta SRCE |url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-i-zvanicno-izabran-za-predsednika-pokreta-srce/ |access-date=6 December 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}} In March 2023, Ponoš announced that Serbia Centre would begin collecting signatures to register as a political party.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2023 |title=Ponoš: SRCE postaje stranka - izlazimo na političku utakmicu protiv ove vlasti |url=https://n1info.rs/vesti/ponos-srce-postaje-stranka-izlazimo-na-politicku-utakmicu-protiv-ove-vlasti/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}} SRCE was registered as a political party in July 2023.{{Cite web |date=23 July 2023 |title=Srbija Centar upisan u registar političkih stranaka |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/srbija-centar-upisan-u-registar-politickih-stranaka/ |access-date=23 July 2023 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS}} In the 2023 Serbian parliamentary election, Ponoš was placed 10th on the Serbia Against Violence electoral list.{{Cite web |date=10 November 2023 |title=Objavljen spisak: Ko su sve kandidati za poslanike liste "Srbija protiv nasilja"? |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori-2023/objavljen-spisak-ko-su-sve-kandidati-za-poslanike-liste-srbija-protiv-nasilja/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=Danas |language=sr}} SPN won 65 seats in the National Assembly and thus Ponoš was successfully elected.{{Cite web |date=18 December 2023 |title=CeSID i IPSOS obradili 99,8 odsto uzorka: SNS-u 128 mandata, SPN-u 65 |trans-title=CeSID and IPSOS processed 99.8 percent of the sample: SNS 128 mandates, SPN 65 |url=https://n1info.rs/vesti/izbori-2023/cesid-i-ipsos-obradili-972-odsto-uzorka-sns-u-128-mandata-spn-u-65/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=N1 |language=sr}}
Political positions
Ponoš is a self-described centrist, and has stated that his views combine both the centre-left and centre-right.{{Cite web |last=Valtner |first=Lidija |date=15 March 2022 |title=Zdravko Ponoš za Danas: Dosta smo odratovali za nekoliko generacija, ovaj narod bi da živi |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/zdravko-ponos-dosta-smo-odratovali-za-nekoliko-generacija-ovaj-narod-bi-da-zivi/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317211640/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/zdravko-ponos-dosta-smo-odratovali-za-nekoliko-generacija-ovaj-narod-bi-da-zivi/ |url-status=live }} The Associated Press has described him as a centrist.{{Cite web |last=Gec |first=Jovana |date=2 February 2022 |title=Serbian opposition parties unite against Vucic's populists |url=https://www.inquirer.com/wires/ap/serbian-opposition-parties-unite-against-vucics-populists-20220202.html |access-date=21 February 2022 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221140718/https://www.inquirer.com/wires/ap/serbian-opposition-parties-unite-against-vucics-populists-20220202.html |url-status=live }} Observers have described his views as reformist,{{Cite web |last=Jakovljev |first=Nadica |date=7 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Srbija nije demokratska zemlja, društvo mora da se menja iz korena |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-srbija-nije-demokratska-zemlja-drustvo-mora-da-se-menja-iz-korena/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309183543/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-srbija-nije-demokratska-zemlja-drustvo-mora-da-se-menja-iz-korena/ |url-status=live }} and moderate conservative.{{Cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=Panović: Na Pesmi za Evroviziju došlo do iznenađenja, može i na izborima da dođe |url=https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/panovic-na-pesmi-evrovizije-doslo-do-iznenadjenja-moze-i-na-izborima-da-dodje/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309231421/https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/panovic-na-pesmi-evrovizije-doslo-do-iznenadjenja-moze-i-na-izborima-da-dodje/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=7 March 2022 |title=Gosti N1: Ima šanse za promene na izborima, da li je Ponoš integrativni kandidat |url=https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/gosti-n1-ima-sanse-za-promene-na-izborima-da-li-je-ponos-integrativni-kandidat/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309233136/https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/gosti-n1-ima-sanse-za-promene-na-izborima-da-li-je-ponos-integrativni-kandidat/ |url-status=live }} He opposes the rule of the Serbian Progressive Party, and has accused Aleksandar Vučić of working "in his self-interests".{{Cite web |last=Švarm |first=Filip |date=10 October 2018 |title=Vučić je guverner porobljene Srbije |url=https://www.vreme.com/vreme/vucic-je-guverner-porobljene-srbije/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127190653/https://www.vreme.com/vreme/vucic-je-guverner-porobljene-srbije/ |url-status=live }} Ponoš has compared Vučić with Augusto Pinochet and has accused him of "humiliating the state and the army".{{Cite web |date=9 July 2020 |title=Čiji su huligani na beogradskim demonstracijama |url=https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2020/7/9/ciji-su-huligani-na-beogradskim-demonstracijama |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Al Jazeera |language=bs |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127205203/https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2020/7/9/ciji-su-huligani-na-beogradskim-demonstracijama |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=16 September 2018 |title=Ponoš: Vučić ponizio državu i vojsku |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-vucic-ponizio-drzavu-i-vojsku/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127190652/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-vucic-ponizio-drzavu-i-vojsku/ |url-status=live }}
= Domestic policies =
Ponoš has described his political views as a mix of civic and national issues,{{Cite web|date=18 February 2022|title=Zdravko Ponoš: I građansko i nacionalno|url=http://www.glassumadije.rs/zdravko-ponos-i-gradjansko-i-nacionalno/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Glas Šumadije|language=sr-RS|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221140727/http://www.glassumadije.rs/zdravko-ponos-i-gradjansko-i-nacionalno/|url-status=live}} and has stated his support for constitutionalism,{{Cite web|date=20 February 2022|title=Ponoš: Praktično sam dogovorio da mi Dragojević i S. Kovačević budu savetnici|url=https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/ponos-prakticno-sam-dogovorio-da-mi-dragojevic-i-s-kovacevic-budu-savetnici/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221140721/https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/ponos-prakticno-sam-dogovorio-da-mi-dragojevic-i-s-kovacevic-budu-savetnici/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=21 February 2022|title=Zdravko Ponoš - Srđan Dragojević i Siniša Kovačević biće moji savetnici|url=http://www.nspm.rs/hronika/utisak-nedelje-zdravko-ponos-srdjan-dragojevic-i-sinisa-kovacevic-bice-moji-savetnici.-dusan-teodorovic-nisam-vise-clan-skupstine-slobodne-srbije.html?alphabet=l#yvComment263259|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Nova srpska politička misao|language=sr-rs|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221140717/http://www.nspm.rs/hronika/utisak-nedelje-zdravko-ponos-srdjan-dragojevic-i-sinisa-kovacevic-bice-moji-savetnici.-dusan-teodorovic-nisam-vise-clan-skupstine-slobodne-srbije.html?alphabet=l#yvComment263259|url-status=live}} and social justice.{{Cite web |date=11 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Srbija da bude socijalno odgovorna država u kojoj zdravlje nije luksuz |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-srbija-da-bude-socijalno-odgovorna-drzava-u-kojoj-zdravlje-nije-luksuz/ |access-date=11 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313004537/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-srbija-da-bude-socijalno-odgovorna-drzava-u-kojoj-zdravlje-nije-luksuz/ |url-status=live }} He has also stated that "civil partnerships should not be called same-sex marriage" and had assessed that "people who live in such a community should receive same rights as everyone else", but he had also emphasised that he is against LGBT adoption.{{Cite web|date=20 February 2022|title=Ponoš: Istopolnu zajednicu ne treba nazivati brakom, ne podržavam ulazak Srbije u NATO|url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-istopolnu-zajednicu-ne-treba-nazivati-brakom-ne-podrzavam-ulazak-srbije-u-nato/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Danas|language=sr-RS|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221140716/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-istopolnu-zajednicu-ne-treba-nazivati-brakom-ne-podrzavam-ulazak-srbije-u-nato/|url-status=live}} He supports the change of the presidential electoral system to a system in which the president would be elected in a secret vote by the National Assembly.{{Cite web |date=7 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Vučić i odlazeća vlast krše Ustav, treba menjati izborni sistem |url=https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/ponos-vucic-i-odlazeca-vlast-krse-ustav-treba-menjati-izborni-sistem/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309183543/https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/ponos-vucic-i-odlazeca-vlast-krse-ustav-treba-menjati-izborni-sistem/ |url-status=live }} Ponoš had stated that, if elected president, he would sign a law that would return confiscated pensions, which was done by the Vučić-led government in 2014.{{Cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Bio bih srećan da kao predsednik potpišem zakon o vraćanju oduzetih penzija |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-bio-bih-srecan-da-kao-predsednik-potpisem-zakon-o-vracanju-oduzetih-penzija/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309173444/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-bio-bih-srecan-da-kao-predsednik-potpisem-zakon-o-vracanju-oduzetih-penzija/ |url-status=live }}
Regarding his views on the army, Ponoš criticised the law on the army which was adopted in 2018, and stated that "the law was made to satisfy the interests of arms dealers and brokers".{{Cite web|date=27 April 2018|title=Ponoš: Zakon o vojsci udovoljava interesima trgovaca oružjem|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a383268-Ponos-Zakon-o-vojsci-udovoljava-interesima-trgovaca-oruzjem/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127185705/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a383268-ponos-zakon-o-vojsci-udovoljava-interesima-trgovaca-oruzjem/|url-status=live}} He has also argued that "instead of introducing mandatory conscriptions, they should raise salaries for officers in the army", and has accused the government of abusing the police during electoral campaigns.{{Cite web|date=31 August 2018|title=Zdravko Ponoš o ponovnom uvođenju vojnog roka|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a416265-Zdravko-Ponos-o-ponovnom-uvodjenju-vojnog-roka/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127185708/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a416265-zdravko-ponos-o-ponovnom-uvodjenju-vojnog-roka/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Cvetković |first1=Ljudmila |last2=Glavonjić |first2=Zoran |date=14 February 2018 |title=Lov na birače od vrata do vrata |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/siguran-glas-privodjenje/29039880.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |newspaper=Radio Slobodna Evropa |language=sh |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127185704/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/siguran-glas-privodjenje/29039880.html |url-status=live }} Ponoš has called for the military leadership to resist the use of the army for political purposes, and has accused the government of being made up of "incompetent politicians are playing with the defense system".{{Cite news |last=Mihajlović |first=Branka |date=10 April 2019 |title=Upotreba vojske u podeljenoj Srbiji |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/vojska-sindikat-saopštenje-vlast-opozicija-protesti-srbija/29872992.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |newspaper=Radio Slobodna Evropa |language=sh |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414084247/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/vojska-sindikat-saop%C5%A1tenje-vlast-opozicija-protesti-srbija/29872992.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=3 November 2019 |title=Ponoš: Nekompetentni politički vrh poigrava se sa sistemom odbrane |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nekompetentni-politicki-vrh-poigrava-se-sa-sistemom-odbrane/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127194247/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nekompetentni-politicki-vrh-poigrava-se-sa-sistemom-odbrane/ |url-status=live }}
= Foreign policies =
{{See also|Accession of Serbia to the European Union|Serbia-NATO relations}}
Ponoš is in favour of accession of Serbia to the European Union,{{Cite web|date=22 April 2011|title=Ponoš: Srbiji treba i Rusija i EU|url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-srbiji-treba-i-rusija-i-eu/h2klegn|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Blic|language=sr|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125153508/https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-srbiji-treba-i-rusija-i-eu/h2klegn|url-status=live}} and during the 2022 campaign period, Ponoš described himself as a "pro-European candidate".{{Cite web|date=18 February 2022|title=Ponoš: Nema dileme da sam proevropski kandidat|url=https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nema-dileme-da-sam-proevropski-kandidat/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=NOVA portal|language=sr-RS|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221132848/https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-nema-dileme-da-sam-proevropski-kandidat/|url-status=live}} He is also supportive of Serbia's membership in the Partnership for Peace and its cooperation with NATO, but is opposed to Serbia joining the military alliance.{{Cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Srbiji nije mesto u NATO ali treba da sarađuje sa njima |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-trudicu-se-da-ne-bude-podela-u-drustvu/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306223932/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-trudicu-se-da-ne-bude-podela-u-drustvu/ |url-status=live }} In 2006, he stated that "the Serbian army should focus on modernization in order to reach the standards of EU and NATO" and that the question regarding NATO should be decided via referendum. In 2017, he stated that Serbia's entry into NATO would be an "irrational and emotionally unacceptable move for generations surviving the trauma of the bombing", and that Serbia should remain militarily neutral.{{Cite web|date=10 November 2017|title=Zdravko Ponoš: Ulazak u NATO i neracionalan i emotivno neprihvatljiv, Srbija treba da ostane vojno neutralna|url=http://www.nspm.rs/hronika/zdravko-ponos-ulazak-u-nato-i-neracionalno-i-emotivno-neprihvatljivo-srbija-treba-da-ostane-vojno-neutralna.html?alphabet=l|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Nova srpska politička misao|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127171205/http://www.nspm.rs/hronika/zdravko-ponos-ulazak-u-nato-i-neracionalno-i-emotivno-neprihvatljivo-srbija-treba-da-ostane-vojno-neutralna.html?alphabet=l|url-status=live}} He had accused Aleksandar Vulin of not respecting military neutrality.{{Cite web|date=28 October 2017|title=Ponoš: Vulin ne razume političke procese i vojnu neutralnost|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a338129-Ponos-Vulin-ne-razume-politicke-procese-i-vojnu-neutralnost/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127184019/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a338129-ponos-vulin-ne-razume-politicke-procese-i-vojnu-neutralnost/|url-status=live}}
He had previously supported the so-called "four pillars" of Serbian foreign policy, in which he also included European integration, Kosovo, and regional cooperation; the "four pillars" of Serbian foreign policy, a term coined by former president Tadić, included free trade agreements with the European Union, Russia, United States, and China.{{Cite web|last=Mitrinović|first=Biljana|date=5 February 2011|title=Četiri stuba su realnost, a ne naš izbor|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/166186/Tema-nedelje/Strategija-spoljne-politike-Srbije/Cetiri-stuba-su-realnost-a-ne-nas-izbor|access-date=27 January 2022|website=Politika|language=sr|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127201844/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/166186/Tema-nedelje/Strategija-spoljne-politike-Srbije/Cetiri-stuba-su-realnost-a-ne-nas-izbor|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=30 August 2009 |title=Četiri stuba srpske spoljne politike |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/123751/cetiri-stuba-srpske-spoljne-politike.html |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=Radio Television of Serbia |language=sr |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523010926/https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/123751/cetiri-stuba-srpske-spoljne-politike.html |url-status=live }} Ponoš stated his opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022.{{Cite web|last=Čolić|first=Nina|date=24 February 2022|title=Ponoš o krizi u Ukrajini: Vojno rešenje neprihvatljivo|url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/drustvo/ponos-o-krizi-u-ukrajini-vojno-resenje-neprihvatljivo/|access-date=24 February 2022|website=Danas|language=sr-RS|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224164701/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/drustvo/ponos-o-krizi-u-ukrajini-vojno-resenje-neprihvatljivo/|url-status=live}} In June, Ponoš stated his support for sanctioning Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |date=5 June 2022 |title=Ponoš: Prilično sam siguran da Sergeja Lavrova niko nije zvao da dođe |url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-prilicno-sam-siguran-da-sergeja-lavrova-niko-nije-zvao/ |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=Danas |language=sr-RS |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605174517/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/ponos-prilicno-sam-siguran-da-sergeja-lavrova-niko-nije-zvao/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=19 June 2022 |title=Ponoš: Srbija treba da uvede deo sankcija Rusiji, one koje nam ne prave štetu |url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-srbija-treba-da-uvede-deo-sankcija-rusiji-one-koje-nam-ne-prave-stetu/ |access-date=20 June 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620215408/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-srbija-treba-da-uvede-deo-sankcija-rusiji-one-koje-nam-ne-prave-stetu/ |url-status=live }}
= Kosovo question =
{{See also|Political status of Kosovo}}
Ponoš is against the recognition of independence of Kosovo, claiming that the recognition of Kosovo is something that "no democratic government in Serbia can accept" and that the solution for this question will not be brought by the people who incited hatred and war. He has also stated that "it is important that things do not go in the wrong situation, and to slowly normalize life and build trust". He has also stated that "Kosovo is a problem that must be solved...so that any solution is in favor of the citizens who live there". He had also expressed his support for "solving the Kosovo issue", instead of leaving it "frozen and remain as it is".{{Cite web |last=Milošević |first=Milan |date=25 August 2010 |title=Snaga sedmog dela Mercedesa |url=https://www.vreme.com/vreme/snaga-sedmog-dela-mercedesa/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127160657/https://www.vreme.com/vreme/snaga-sedmog-dela-mercedesa/ |url-status=live }} He has criticised the Serb List and Vučić's approach towards Kosovo.{{Cite web |date=4 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Vučić Prištini dao sve traženo, Beograd i Srbi s Kosova nisu dobili ništa |url=https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/ponos-vucic-pristini-dao-sve-trazeno-beograd-i-srbi-s-kosova-nisu-dobili-nista/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS |archive-date=7 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307001532/https://rs.n1info.com/izbori-2022/predsednicki-izbori/ponos-vucic-pristini-dao-sve-trazeno-beograd-i-srbi-s-kosova-nisu-dobili-nista/ |url-status=live }}
= Srebrenica massacre and Ratko Mladić =
{{See also|Srebrenica massacre}}
During an interview in February 2022, Ponoš stated that he once met Ratko Mladić in Knin. Talking about Mladić's involvement in the Srebrenica massacre, Ponoš stated that Mladić's troops "committed brutal crimes" and that "he was responsible for those crimes, but the whole generation or the whole nation should not be responsible for that".{{Cite web|date=10 February 2022|title=Ponoš o napadima tabloida: Neko je pustio "trenirane pse", vlasnik će odgovarati|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-o-napadima-tabloida-neko-je-pustio-trenirane-pse-vlasnik-ce-odgovarati/|access-date=11 February 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=10 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210214518/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/ponos-o-napadima-tabloida-neko-je-pustio-trenirane-pse-vlasnik-ce-odgovarati/|url-status=live}} He has also stated that he supports the Srebrenica Declaration, which was adopted by the National Assembly in 2010.{{Cite web |last=Spalović |first=Dejan |date=27 February 2022 |title=Neću uvesti Srbiju u NATO |url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/500670/Necu-uvesti-Srbiju-u-NATO |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=Politika |language=sr |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321132007/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/500670/Necu-uvesti-Srbiju-u-NATO |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=13 March 2022 |title=Ponoš: Poštujem deklaraciju o Srebrenici, protiv sam ulaska Srbije u NATO |url=https://www.snews.rs/ponos-postujem-deklaraciju-o-srebrenici-protiv-sam-ulaska-srbije-u-nato/ |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=snews |language=bs-BA |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313140010/https://www.snews.rs/ponos-postujem-deklaraciju-o-srebrenici-protiv-sam-ulaska-srbije-u-nato/ |url-status=live }} Ponoš was criticised by the pro-government media in Serbia over his comments.{{Cite web |last=Petrović |first=Ivica |date=19 February 2022 |title=Naprednjački test patriotizma: NATO, Kosovo, Srebrenica |url=https://www.dw.com/sr/naprednja%C4%8Dki-test-patriotizma-nato-kosovo-srebrenica/a-60839486 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=Deutsche Welle |location=Belgrade |language=sr-RS |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321132007/https://www.dw.com/sr/naprednja%C4%8Dki-test-patriotizma-nato-kosovo-srebrenica/a-60839486 |url-status=live }}
Personal life
During his youth, Ponoš resided in Zagreb and later married Zdenka, a Croat woman from Inđija.{{Cite web |last=Lukač |first=Davor |date=10 November 2021 |title=Inženjer sa činom generala |url=https://www.vreme.com/vreme/inzenjer-sa-cinom-generala/ |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Vreme |language=sr-RS |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223062836/https://www.vreme.com/vreme/inzenjer-sa-cinom-generala/ |url-status=live }} He has one brother, while his father died shortly before Operation Storm.{{Cite web|last=Telesković|first=Dušan|date=8 December 2021|title=Otac mi je umro par meseci pre "Oluje". Moja majka i brat su krenuli tako što su stavili neke stvari na magarca i tako krenuli preko brda: Životni intervju Zdravka Ponoša u Nedeljniku|url=https://www.nedeljnik.rs/otac-mi-je-umro-par-meseci-pre-oluje-moja-majka-i-brat-su-krenuli-tako-sto-su-stavili-neke-stvari-na-magarca-i-tako-krenuli-preko-brda-zivotni-intervju-zdravka-ponosa-u-nedeljniku/|access-date=26 January 2022|website=Nedeljnik|language=sr|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126231201/https://www.nedeljnik.rs/otac-mi-je-umro-par-meseci-pre-oluje-moja-majka-i-brat-su-krenuli-tako-sto-su-stavili-neke-stvari-na-magarca-i-tako-krenuli-preko-brda-zivotni-intervju-zdravka-ponosa-u-nedeljniku/|url-status=live}} His maternal grandfather was mobilised by the Yugoslav Partisans and died in combat at the Syrmian Front. He also holds Croatian citizenship.{{Cite web|date=4 February 2022|title=Ponoš: Ja sam Srbin iz Krajine, hrvatsko državljanstvo imam po rođenju|url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-ja-sam-srbin-iz-krajine-hrvatsko-drzavljanstvo-imam-po-rodjenju/|access-date=4 February 2022|website=Danas|language=sr-RS|archive-date=4 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204140713/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/izbori22/ponos-ja-sam-srbin-iz-krajine-hrvatsko-drzavljanstvo-imam-po-rodjenju/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Latković|first=Nataša|date=4 February 2022|title=NATO general, špijun, hrvatski patriota: Odgovori Ponoša na prljavu kampanju|url=https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/nato-general-spijun-hrvatski-patriota-odgovori-ponosa-na-prljavu-kampanju/|access-date=4 February 2022|website=NOVA portal|language=sr-RS|archive-date=4 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204171416/https://nova.rs/vesti/politika/nato-general-spijun-hrvatski-patriota-odgovori-ponosa-na-prljavu-kampanju/|url-status=live}} Besides his native Serbian, he also speaks English and Russian. His hobbies include studying history, music, films, football, and cartoons; Ponoš is a fan of The Simpsons animated sitcom. Ponoš is also an author of several academic papers, and he served as a supervisory editor of the journal Horizons. The weekly Vremе news magazine named Ponoš as the person of the year in 2006.
Ponoš tested positive for COVID-19 on 29 March 2020, and was subsequently sent for treatment to the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Belgrade.{{Cite web|date=29 March 2020|title=Zdravko Ponoš zaražen koronavirusom|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a583287-Zdravko-Ponos-zarazen-koronavirusom/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127195254/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a583287-zdravko-ponos-zarazen-koronavirusom/|url-status=live}} By 13 April, he tested negative.{{Cite web|date=13 April 2020|title=Ponoš i supruga negativni na koronu posle prvog testiranja|url=https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a588609-Ponos-i-supruga-negativni-na-koronu-posle-prvog-testiranja/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=N1|language=sr-RS|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127195258/https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/a588609-ponos-i-supruga-negativni-na-koronu-posle-prvog-testiranja/|url-status=live}}
Bibliography
- {{Cite book |last1=Ponoš |first1=Zdravko |title=Vojnotehnički glasnik |last2=Šunjevarić |first2=Milan |publisher=University of Defense in Belgrade |year=1993 |volume=41 |location=Belgrade |pages=682–697 |language=sr |chapter=Satelitski telekomunikacioni sistemi u vojnoj primeni |trans-chapter=Satellite Telecommunication Systems in Military Application |eissn=2217-4753 |issn=0042-8469}}
- {{Cite book |last1=Ponoš |first1=Zdravko |author-mask=––––––––––––– |title=Vojno delo |publisher=Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, University of Defense in Belgrade |year=2007 |volume=5 |location=Belgrade |pages=9–30 |language=sr |chapter=Transformacija vojske Srbije - izazovi i odgovori |trans-chapter=Transformation of the Serbian Army - Challenges and Responses |eissn=2683-5703 |issn=0042-8426}}
References
{{Reflist}}
= Primary sources =
In the text these references are preceded by a double dagger (‡):
{{Reflist|group="‡"}}
External links
{{Commons category|Zdravko Ponoš}}
- [https://zdravkoponos.rs/ Official website]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9jP9S2bS5o Iza vesti: Gost Zdravko Ponoš (25.11.2021)], Nova S
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BMBUaIHUwU Utisak nedelje: Marinika Tepić, Čedomir Čupić i Zdravko Ponoš (05.12.2021)], Nova S
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{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=Ljubiša Jokić|as=Chief of the General Staff of Serbia and Montenegro Armed Forces}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chief of the Serbian General Staff|years=2006–2008}}
{{s-aft|after=Miloje Miletić}}
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{{Chiefs of the Serbian General Staff}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ponos, Zdravko}}
Category:21st-century Serbian politicians
Category:Candidates for President of Serbia
Category:Chiefs of the Serbian General Staff
Category:Graduates of the Royal College of Defence Studies
Category:Independent politicians in Serbia
Category:Members of the National Assembly (Serbia)
Category:People's Party (Serbia, 2017) politicians
Category:Serbia Centre politicians
Category:Serbian military personnel of the Kosovo War
Category:University of Belgrade School of Electrical Engineering alumni