Skopje, 10 February 2023 (MIA) — Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Alliance for Albanians leader Arben Taravari held a meeting this afternoon, several news outlets reported.

However, no official statements followed the meeting, which Taravari had announced on Thursday saying that AA candidates' names for new government ministers would likely be discussed.

The details are still being worked out, SDSM sources familiar with the matter told MIA. 

On Thursday evening, Taravari announced that his party had agreed to join the ruling coalition and said AA party members will get three posts in the future government: Minister of Justice; Minister of Health; and either Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Economic Affairs or Minister of Information Society and Administration. The party will also get to fill the posts of Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy and of Deputy Minister of Defense.

According to media reports, AA's Krenar Loga will succeed Minister of Justice Nikola Tupanchevski, and Minister of Health Bekim Sali, an Alternativa member, will be replaced by AA’s Fatmir Mexhiti.

Meanwhile, Alternativa said they would make known their position on whether they will remain in the government after their party leadership convenes in Tetovo on Sunday.

“We have carefully considered all the circumstances going against the principles the European coalition should be resting on. Especially how someone has underestimated our contribution 12 months ago to saving the ruling majority, electing Dimitar Kovachevski Prime Minister, and consequently ensuring the start of negotiations with the EU,” Alternativa’s official Facebook page said.

The cabinet reshuffle is to be discussed at a special parliamentary session, as yet unscheduled. Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said the session could be held as early as Monday at the request of Prime Minister Kovachevski. mr/