Cabinet Reshuffle suggested by PM Zaev discussed in Parliament

The Parliament of Macedonia started on Wednesday the session for discussion of the cabinet reshuffle suggested by the PM Zoran Zaev. The Parliament adopted a decision for accepting of the resignations of Culture Minister Asaf Ademi, Agriculture Minister Ljupco Nikolovski, Environment Minister Sadula Duraki and the Minister in charge of Business Climate Zoran Sapuric. Despite the fact that PM Zaev announced their replacements, Local Self-government Minister Suhejl Fazliu, Finance Minister Dragan Tevdovski and Vice-PM for Ohrid Framework Agreement Hazbi Lika did not file their resignations to the Parliament. Speaking at the session, PM Zaev announced that he revoked the initiative for him to take over the position of Minister of Finance, after the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC) warned that according to the Law against Corruption, the positions Prime Minister and Finance Minister cannot be occupied by the same state official. “Even though the Constitution allows it, we need to be responsible and transparent and respect the recommendations of SCPC. However, in accordance with my governmental authorisations, I shall manage the Finance Ministry until a new Minister is appointed,” PM Zaev said. Later on Wednesday during the session, with 64 votes in favour, the Parliament of Macedonia officially dismissed Local Self-government Minister Suhejl Fazliu, Finance Minister Dragan Tevdovski and Vice-PM for Ohrid Framework Agreement Hazbi Lika from their positions.