Skopje, 29 December 2021 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski handed over the government mandate to SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski on Wednesday. “Based on Article 84, Paragraph 1, Point 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia and the information on the PM-designate nomination by SDSM, supported by political parties within a coalition that holds the required parliamentary majority, I hereby name SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski as PM-designate,“ said President Pendarovski. Kovachevski said the mandate represents both an honor and responsibility. “As of today, I begin to form a new team of people who must respond to the serious challenges that await us from the onset of the coming year,” said Kovachevski. He added that the new government would have a clear objective, ensure security, better life and future for the citizens. “This requires efficient, honest and responsible governance from my team,” said Kovachevski and promised to work on independent institutions and a just society. According to him, focus would be given to the country’s economic development and financial support for its people. “We must prevent political divisions and endless quarreling, which damage the development and realization of projects and reforms for a better life of all,” noted Kovachevski. He also announced swift overcoming of differences and unification on priorities, so that the country makes rapid progress. Last week, the Parliament verified the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, after which President Pendarovski had ten days to give the government mandate. On Monday, SDSM officially nominated Kovachevski for the PM post. The PM-designate is expected to present the composition and programme of the new government to the Parliament in the first half of January. The cabinet requires at least 61 MP votes to take office. The parliamentary majority comprised of the SDSM-led coalition, DUI, Alternativa and DPA has 64 seats in the Parliament.