Serbia to form government 7 months after elections

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Serbian lawmakers are expected to vote on a new government this week, some seven months after its general elections.

The Balkan nation held elections on April 3 to choose a new president, members for its 250-seat parliament, and local authorities.

President Aleksandar Vucic said the current Prime Minister Ana Brnabic will serve as premier for the third time in the new government, which will consist of 25 ministries, including the newly formed Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technological Development, Ministry of Tourism and Youth, Ministry of Public Investment.

Speaking at parliament, Brnabic said the next government would face greater challenges than anticipated and would continue to work to maintain stability of the country.

Parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic, for his part, pointed out that the parliamentary session in which the new Cabinet would be voted would be lengthy, with the government to be formed by Thursday.

Former Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin, who has recently come to prominence with controversial statements, notably will not be part of the new government.