President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarkovski declared on Wednesday the state of emergency in the country in a move to protect people against the spreading of the novel coronavirus, and granted the technical government more powers.

Latest data showed 35 cases of coronavirus infection in North Macedonia. 

Pendarkovski added that early election in the country, which was supposed to be held on April 12, had to be postponed and would be called again when the country returns to normal.

The technical government will have powers to bring legally valid decrees to limit the movement of the people and secure more money to support the economy, Pendarkovski said.

He added that the state of emergency will last for 30 days and will be ratified by the Parliament as soon as it manages to hold a session.

Within the next 30 days, I expect the Government to submit a detailed report about the effects of the measures and their possible suggestion for the extension of the state of emergency for another 30 days,” he said.