Serbia's Vucic Plans Lavish Inauguration Ceremony

Vucic 's swearing-in ceremony in parliament on May 31. Photo: Beta/Milos Miskov.

More than 5,000 guests are expected for Vucic's inauguration on June 23, among them 20 prime ministers and presidents, state-owned newspaper Vecernje novosti reported on Monday.

Serbian daily Blic said on Monday that because of the large number of guests expected, the ceremony will not be held at the presidency as planned, but at the Palace of Serbia, which was the seat of government of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, where Josip Broz Tito had his office.

It added that the rooms at the Palace of Serbia will be decorated according to Serbian regional themes, with each of the country's regions represented. 

"Also, digital platforms will be located in one part of the Palace and guests will be able to get information about Serbia, and images and short films will be played," Blic reported, adding that each segment of the event will be sending a different message from the President.

Ranks of soldiers and a military band will also take part in the ceremony.

One part of the inauguration event will be organized in front of the building, according to Blic, so Vucic can "show his openness to people and the world".

Only Serbian food will be on Vucic's inauguration menu Vecernje novosti reported. 

Serbian media reported this week that most of the leaders from the Balkans will be present at Vucic's inauguration, and that the presidents of Slovenia, Montenegro and Croatia, as well as all the members of the Bosnian presidency, have already confirmed their attendance. 

Vecernje novosti hinted that Vucic also expects Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov. 

It said the EU will probably be represented by Enlargement Commissioner...

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