GOVERNMENT OF JUGOSLAVIA

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26728, 12 May 1952, Page 7

GOVERNMENT OF JUGOSLAVIA

Important Change In Constitution (Rec. 9 p.m ) BELGRADE, May 10. The Jugoslav News Agency, Tanjug, said to-day that Jugoslavia will have a President qnder a new constitutional law npw being drafted. The Presidium of the National Assembly, comprising some 40 delegates, will elect the President who will head the Presidium and be the Supreme Commander of the Armed Farces. Cabinet will be abolished and its functions taken over bv the Presidium of the Federal and Republican National Assemblies. The office of President of the Reyublic does not at present exist in ugoslavia. The powers of the head of the State rest with the Presidium of the National Assembly as a body. This Presidium is composed of a President, six Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, and 10 members of the National Assembly. It is . elected by Parliament for four years. Dr. Ivan Ribar has been the President of the Presidium since December, 1945. Under the new law the functions of Government will be taken over by committees consisting of members of the Presidium who will not deal with administrative tasks. These will be carried out by State secretaries working under the supervision of appropriate committees. The “Observer.” London, says that under the new arrangement the President of the Presidium will at the same time be the head of the State. This position is obviously meant to be filled by Marshal Tito.