Božidar Delić (Serbian Cyrillic: Божидар Делић; 15 February 1955 – 23 August 2022) was a Serbian politician and retired Army of the Republic of Serbia (VJ) general. He is known for his participation in the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s and his later career in Serbian politics.
Early Life and Military Career
- Birthplace: Šabac, then part of the People's Republic of Serbia within the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia.
- Education: Graduated from the Military Academy in Belgrade, after which he pursued a career in the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) and later the Armed Forces of Serbia and Montenegro.
- Wars: Served as a commander during the conflicts in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was noted for his role in the Battle of Vukovar and other engagements during the 1990s.
Political Involvement
- After retiring from active military service, Delić entered politics, aligning with nationalist and right‑wing parties.
- He was elected to the National Assembly of Serbia, serving multiple terms. His parliamentary work focused on defense, veterans’ affairs, and national security issues.
- Delić was also a prominent figure within the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) before later joining the Serbian Patriotic Alliance (SPAS) and other similar formations.
Public Perception
- Delić was regarded as a polarizing figure; supporters praised his military experience and advocacy for veterans, while critics highlighted his association with nationalist rhetoric and involvement in controversial wartime actions.
Death
- Božidar Delić died on 23 August 2022 in Belgrade at the age of 67. His death was reported by Serbian media and confirmed by the National Assembly.
Legacy
- Delić’s legacy is intertwined with the complex history of the former Yugoslavia’s dissolution, the role of the Serbian military in the 1990s, and post‑war political dynamics in Serbia. His contributions to veterans’ policy and defense legislation remain noted in parliamentary records.
