Abstract: The article analyzes the activity of the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1984 to 1989, mainly on the basis of unpublished material from the Archives of Yugoslavia. The accent is on confrontation of the members of the Presidency with the rising crisis of the political system in Yugoslavia. The reactions of the Presidency to the turning events during the last two years of its mandate are presented in more detail.

Keywords: Yugoslavia, Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 1974 Yugoslav Constitution, League of Communists of Yugoslavia, Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo, 8thSession of the Central Committee of the League of Communists of Serbia, Anti-bureaucratic revolution

Summary

The Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1984 to 1989, which according to the Constitution was a collective head of state, was composed of epigones of the late undisputed ruler of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. As sexagenarians and old-fashioned communists, they had a hard time adapting to the changes occurring with the crisis of the political systemin Yugoslavia. From the beginning of its mandate, the Presidency faced the economic and legitimation crisis in the country. The greatest difficulties were caused by ethnic dissensions and political tension in Kosovo. The general crisis in Yugoslavia intensified during the last two years of this period and the Presidency was forced to react to events that were beyond its control. Although its members at least preserved a semblance of mutual unity, a sense of helplessness and meaninglessness increasingly overwhelmed them. In the end, it was generally believed that they had completely lost the authority of the head of state.