Gospel to be placed under Constitution as Vucic takes oath

Gospel to be placed under Constitution as Vucic takes oath

Vucic will take the oath at the Assembly rostrum by placing his right hand on a specially printed copy of the Constitution - one that future presidents are also "planned to use."

A copy of Miroslav's Gospel - the original dating back to the 12th century Serb Principality of Rascia - will be placed under the Constitution.

Vucic will also receive the state seal and "a special flag" from outgoing President Tomislav Nikolic, the daily writes, citing sources from the future president's cabinet, who adds that "respect toward the state, tradition, and the legal heritage" will be demonstrated in this way.

The event has been "carefully planned with the idea of determining a precise ceremony for future presidents."

After the ceremony in the Assembly, Vucic will go to the Presidency building, where he will review a ceremonial unit made up of members the Guard, and the Serbian Army's Ground Forces, Air Force and Air Defense, and River Flotilla.

Serbian Army chief Ljubisa Dikovic will then report to the new president.

The official handover of presidential duties between Nikolic and Vucic will follow, along with a short meeting between the two.

Vucic will be replaced at the helm of the government by his First Deputy and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, who will be acting prime minister until Vucic gives mandate to a new prime minister. Starting from May 31, Vucic will have 30 days to do this.