Mickoski takes office as N. Macedonia's new PM

Outgoing caretaker prime minister Talat Xhaferi handed over the post to Mickoski, the government said in a press release.

"My vision is aimed at economic growth, social cohesion and international cooperation. We remain committed to solving the pressing issues we face and working towards a united and prosperous country," Mickoski said in a Facebook post after the ceremony.

North Macedonia's parliament on Sunday elected a new coalition government proposed by Mickoski that comprises VMRO-DPMNE, ethnic Albanian alliance Vredi and left-wing ZNAM movement. The new cabinet has 20 ministries, an increase from the previous cabinet's 16.

The VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition won 58 of 120 seats in the unicameral parliament in the May 8 general election. Two coalitions led respectively by former ruling Social Democrat party, SDSM, and ethnic Albanian party DUI have 18 seats each. The ethnic Albanian coalition Vredi, which has Alternativa among its members, has 14 mandates whereas the left-wing Levica and ZNAM movement have six seats each.

VMRO-DPMNE also won the country's presidential elections, which were also held on May 8. Its candidate Gordana Siljanovska Davkova took office as president on May 12.