SDSM leader Zoran Zaev is expected to hand over the required signatures of majority MPs to President Gjorge Ivanov in order to get the mandate for formation of the new government at 2:00 pm on Monday.

President Ivanov will take a decision in the coming days, said his Office.

According to announcements from SDSM, Zaev will hand over signatures from 67 MPs of SDSM, DUI, Besa and Alliance of Albanians. Following consultations with party leaders and after VMRO­-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski failed to form a government, President Ivanov said on February 1 the party or coalition that proves it has secured a parliamentary majority would get the mandate over formation of the new government.

In addition, Ivanov said those who form the new government should incorporate two key priorities in their program: protection of Macedonia's interests, which means preserving and strengthening the unitary character of the state, and systemic reform after the crisis that will include the country's national security system.

(Source: Independent.mk)