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Macedonian Parliament Starts Debate On New Government

Social Democratic leader Zoran Zaev (center) in Macedonia's parliament on May 30.
Social Democratic leader Zoran Zaev (center) in Macedonia's parliament on May 30.

The Macedonian parliament has started a debate to install a new government and end the longstanding political deadlock in the Balkan country.

Addressing lawmakers on May 30, Social Democratic leader Zoran Zaev said that, if confirmed, his 26-member cabinet would be committed to "the economy, strong public institutions and [future membership of] the European Union and NATO."

The proposed cabinet is made up of members of Zaev's party and two small ethnic Albanian parties that joined with him to form a governing coalition that controls 62 seats in the 120-member parliament.

Engulfed in a long-running political crisis, Macedonia has been governed by a caretaker cabinet since January 2016.

When Zaev takes over as prime minister, it will mark the end of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party's 11-year reign.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa
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