Serbian Lawmakers Approve New Government

Serbia's lawmakers have approved a new government headed by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, nearly four months after he won a snap election.

The government was voted into office 163-to-62 on August 11, following three days of heated debate.

Vucic cut short his previous term and called the early vote in April, saying that he needs a full four years to implement reforms and guide the Balkan country toward European Union membership.

The prime minister’s Progressive Party will remain in coalition with the pro-Russian Socialist Party.

Socialist Party leader and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has retained his cabinet post, alongside Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic.

The government’s six new ministers include Ana Brnabic, the first openly gay minister in Serbia, who was appointed minister of public administration and local government.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa