Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic sworn in as new President of Serbia
New Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was sworn in at the ceremonial session of the Assembly on Wednesday, which was attended by numerous Serbian ministers and representatives of diplomatic core, universities, army, police, and international organizations in Serbia.
President Vucic laid an oath over the Constitution of Serbia. A special copy of the Constitution was designed for the ceremony and handed to him by the Chairwoman of the Constitutional Court Vesna Ilic Prelic.
For the ceremony, a copy of Miroslav Gospel was used for the first time in addition to the Constitution. Miroslav Gospel does not only have religious significance, it is also the oldest book written in Serbian and dates back to 12th century.
“I swear that I will devote all my efforts to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, including Kosovo and Metohija as its integral part, as well as to realize human and minority rights and freedoms, respect and defend the Constitution and laws, preserve peace and prosperity for all citizens of the Republic Serbia, and that I will conscientiously and responsibly meet all my duties,” said President Vucic. The text of the oath is defined by the Constitution of Serbia.
Before the ceremony, at a special session of the Serbian Assembly, MPs noted Vucic’s resignation from the position of Prime Minister. President Vucic will spend next five years in office as president of the Republic.
“As president, I promise that I will preserve peace and stability on your behalf, I will protect and defend the future of us and our children, and I will always love you and fight for your children as if they were my own,” said President Vucic to his supporters gathered in front of the Assembly before the ceremony.
Part of the opposition and citizens protested against Vucic
Representatives of a part of the opposition in the Parliament protested against President Vucic’s inauguration and held the banners “Not my president” and “I don’t want a traitor for president.”
At the same time, police prevented protesters against President Vucic to come in front of the Assembly. Supporters and opponents of President Vucic clashed in one of the underground pedestrian passages in Belgrade.
Zoran Zivkovic, opposition MP from New Party, was at the scene and tried to separate the two groups.
After the initial exchange of insults, the groups parted without casualties.
President Vucic’s supporters came from all over Serbia by organized transport.
Milivoje Pantovic