A Slovenian comedian who previously impersonated the country’s former prime minister has now been appointed to the position.

NBC News reported that Marjan Sarec, a longtime comedian and actor, was appointed as prime minister designate on Friday. His leftist party came second in the country’s parliamentary elections earlier this year, and he was chosen by the Parliament 55 to 31.

Sarec, 40, earned fame with his impersonation of former Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who headed the country’s right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party.

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“We are a new party, [a] new generation in politics that is not burdened with the past," Sarec told NBC News. "We are here to work."

Sarec’s impersonation of Jansa mocked the former leader for his limited knowledge of English.

The former comedian told NBC News that he is taking the new role seriously, and that he ended his acting career when he was elected mayor of the small Slovenian town of Kamnik in 2010.

"I kept this promise and assumed the position of a mayor with a great responsibility," he said. "Today, I assume the function of the prime minister with a great responsibility towards all citizens."

First lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power FBI director casts doubt on concerns over mail-in voting fraud Trump: 'We could hardly hear' boos, chanting at Supreme Court MORE was born in what is now Slovenia, but has since become an American citizen.

Sarec told NBC News that he has “different” political views than those held by President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE.

"I believe the definitions of being right or left are not important," he said. "It is much more important that we strive for an operational and effective government."