Increased economic growth and employment, improvement of living standards for the citizens, EU and NATO membership, uncompromising combat against corruption and crime, sound inter-ethnic relations and development of education and information technology are the five strategic priorities of the new government proposed by PM-designate Nikola Gruevski.

Delivering his exposé at Thursday's parliamentary session convened to elect the new government, Gruevski said that the well-being of citizens, Macedonia's development would be their primary guiding light for which they would work with 'commitment, in an honest, sincere and transparent manner.'

"The program is our primary guiding light as we try to fulfill our promises and to realize the things we haven't promised. Not because of upcoming elections, but due to our reputation," said Gruevski.

To meet our defined goals, he added, it is necessary to maintain continuity in reforms, full mobilization and unity.

The program's realization should pave the way toward perspective and success in Macedonia and better life for the citizens, according to Gruevski. "I believe that by realizing the program, Macedonia in four years will be a better place for living for Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Vlach, Romas, Serbs, Bosniaks, Christian, Muslim, atheists."

Referring to economic priorities, Gruevski announced an economic growth from 3 to 6% - between 3-4% in the first two years and in the next couple of years a 4.5-6% growth provided that the global and European economies are stabilized.

"High rates are planned for capital investments, foreign investments estimated from 350 to 430 million a year, macroeconomic stability, inflation rate of 2.5% a year, stable foreign exchange rate...," Gruevski said in his exposé.

He announced measures to support domestic companies, investments in construction and infrastructure, increase in salaries, pensions and social welfare by 21.5% in four years, additional 64.000 jobs in a bid to cut down the unemployment rate from 28.4% to 22%, minimum wage boost, measures to support and find employment of single parents, orphans, former employees of bankrupt firms, VAT reduction for certain products, 600 million for agricultural subsidies, energy investments...

Reforms in education, according to him, will be further pursued by procuring 300.000 tablets, reconstructing school buildings and student residential halls, equipping laboratories and awarding scholarships to students who would be admitted to the most prestigious universities in the world...

In his exposé, Gruevski noted that NATO membership, opening of talks for EU accession, finding settlement of the imposed name dispute with Greece were priorities in terms of foreign policy. Efforts will be made, he said, to promote Macedonia's interests abroad, enhance ties with the diaspora and meet the Copenhagen criteria and adopt and align the EU legislation.

"With respect to the political dispute which has been imposed by Greece involving the name of our country, the Government is prepared to resume the Greek-Macedonian dialogue based on an already-established strategy and principles. The Government will not accept the Constitution to be amended in order the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia to be changed and won't accept ideas and proposals that might encroach Macedonia's national identity and the individuality of the Macedonian nation and language. The Government will not allow any name solution to be accepted without previously organizing a referendum for the citizens to voice their opinion about the likely solution," he stressed.

The PM-designate announced further implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement vowing to keep on making efforts to build an inter-ethnic society based on mutual trust and tolerance. "Ethnic issues should not and must not diminish the power of the society. Politicians need to be better focused on strengthening coexistence, respect and tolerance between different ethnic and religious communities," Gruevski stated.

He added that the new government was "a combination of youth and serious experience." "The nominated ministers are professionals with high personal integrity having exceptional human values and principles, who are prepared to invest their whole energy into the progress of Macedonia."

Gruevski noted that freedom of the media must be respected, provided and promoted by every stakeholder. "All media professionals and the Government should contribute to the dignity of journalism, professional ethics, ethic principles and standards," the PM-designate emphasized.

All opposition MPs but one did not attend the session.

President Gjorge Ivanov, officials of the diplomatic corps and other guests were in attendance at the session where the PM-designate delivered his exposé.