Balkans: October 18, 2002

Archives

Macedonias new governing coalition, Together for Macedonia (TM), has reached a power-sharing deal with the ethnic Albanian-dominated Democratic Union of Integration (DUI). The TM and DUI will form a joint government. DUI party members will serve as ministers of justice, education, health, and transportation. They will get deputy minister jobs in interior affairs and defense. Interior affairs and defense are, of course, extremely sensitive. Interior has been responsible for security police. The largest party in the TM is the Social Democratic Union (SDSM). It is led by Brank Crvenkovski, who will become prime minister. The SDSM won 60 of parliaments 120 seats. The DUI won 16 seats. The Liberal Democratic Party (LD)is also a coalition member.