Macedonia MPs begin debate on constitutional changes over country’s name

Macedonia’s parliamentary committee on constitutional issues has begun debating constitutional amendments required as part of a deal with neighboring Greece to change the country’s name to North Macedonia. Changes being discussed on Wednesday include modifying the preamble and two articles, AP reported. The move comes after a September 30 referendum on the deal with Greece, when voters overwhelmingly supported the deal, but the referendum was ruled invalid because of low turnout. The debate will last several days at committee level before being put to lawmakers in a plenary session, likely next week. The governing coalition lacks the two-thirds majority it needs to get the proposals approved. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has said he will call early elections if the amendments are rejected.