Branislav Lecic, one of Yugoslavia's most popular stage, film and TV actors, has been appointed minister of culture by Serbia's new democratic government.

Former culture minister, Zeljko Simic, a tough dogmatic Marxist, had to resign last October along with the whole pro-Milosevic regime.

Simic didn't pay much attention to the film industry and the Serbian film lobby expects more action from Lecic. However, in his first press conference, Lecic didn't mention cinema and said that recruiting personnel was his first priority.

Lecic is not known for being overly political, and he officially belonged only to the semi-legal students' organisation, Otpor. However he has had a strong presence as a speaker, cheerleader and anchorman whenever any new rally took place.