Dacic: Serbia has lost great fighter for social justice

BELGRADE - Members of Serbia's outgoing government and MPs on Thursday bid farewell to the late Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Policy Jovan Krkobabic at a commemorative session held in the parliament building.

Outgoing Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, who is also the leader of the Socialist Party of Serbia, said that Serbia has lost a great fighter for left- wing ideas and social justice who cared for the unprotected and marginalised for years.

Serbia is bidding farewell to a man who has taught many politicians, colleagues and friends that sincerity and modesty represent lasting values in life and politics, Dacic said.

Krkobabic brought unusually high levels of seriousness to every task he handled and is today hugely credited with preserving the social status and dignity of pensioners, refugees and the needy, Dacic also said.

Milan Krkobabic, the son of the late Jovan Krkobabic, thanked those attending and Party of United Pensioners of Serbia deputy leader Borislav Kovacevic also bid farewell to Krkobabic senior.

The commemorative session was attended by most government ministers and many MPs.

As previously announced, Jovan Krkobabic will be buried in a private ceremony.

A book of condolences has been opened in the Serbian parliament building.

Photo Tanjug, Tanja Valic