SNS leader tasked with forming new government

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic Tuesday assigned the task of forming the country's new government to Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) leader Aleksandar Vucic.

“I sincerely congratulate Vucic on the result he has achieved and I decided to inform the parliament that I have entrusted Vucic with the mandate, but honestly speaking, I would not be in his shoes, as Serbia is facing serious challenges,” Nikolic told a press conference after meeting with the SNS leader.

“Joy and happiness ended on the day the votes were counted - today marks the beginning of huge responsibility and work under constant public scrutiny, and many will look and wait for government's mistakes,” Nikolic said.

“We agreed to share the responsibility and the government and the president will work very closely. We will work like a team, particularly concerning the moves that will not be popular,” the Serbian president said.

The early parliamentary elections were held on March 16, and the SNS won 158 seats in the 250-seat Serbian parliament.

President willing to share responsibility in challenges

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic gave Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) leader Aleksandar Vucic the mandate to form the next government on Tuesday and said that he will share the responsibility in dealing with the challenges facing the country with the government.

After meeting with the SNS leader and voicing the decision to entrust him with the mandate, Nikolic congratulated Vucic, observing, however, that he “would not be in his shoes.”

“Serbia is facing tremendous challenges. Joy and happiness ended on the day the votes were counted – today marks the beginning of a huge...