MPs vote to relieve Basta of ministerial duties

BELGRADE - The Serbian parliament voted on Tuesday to relieve Minister of Economy Rade Basta of his duties.

One hundred and forty-nine of 194 MPs in attendance voted in favour of the move, while 45 did not take part in the vote.

At the initiative of the Socialist Party of Serbia-United Serbia coalition - which had put forward Basta for the ministerial post - the vote was proposed by PM Ana Brnabic after Basta made statements that are contrary to the state and national policy.

Finance Minister Sinisa Mali will be in charge of the Ministry of Economy until a new minister is elected.