The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) and Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) have reached an agreement to form the new Macedonian government following general elections on July 15.
Their leaders Zorav Zaev and Ali Ahmeti met on Tuesday to sign the agreement, which stipulates that Zaev will be the country prime minister for a full term.
The BDI’s main promise during the electoral campaign to elect an Albanian prime minister failed. However, the party will appoint a prime minister for the last 100 days of the term. It is stipulated in the constitution that a caretaker government during this period prepares the country for new elections.
Talat Xhaferi of the BDI will remain the speaker of parliament, while other government posts going to each party have not been determined yet.
Zaev listed the fight against coronavirus, crime and corruption, improving the economy, strengthening the justice system, and vetting of officials as priorities of the future government.
The SDSM won 46 seats, BDI 15 seats in the 120-seat parliament of North Macedonia. Their 61 votes are just enough to form a new government. The coalition is expected to include the single vote of the Democratic Party of Albanians (PDSh).
The Macedonian opposition is expected to comprise VMRO-DPMNE (44 seats), Alliance for Albanians (12), and Levica (2).
