The Slovak cabinet has formally handed in its resignation amid a row over the decision by the outgoing prime minister, Vladimir Meciar, to give up his seat in parliament.

Mr Meciar, who says he's quitting politics following his election defeat, has transferred his seat -- and the immunity from prosecution it brings -- to the man who was his secret service chief, Ivan Lexa.

The movehas outraged the opposition, which accuses Mr Lexa of involvement in the 1995 kidnapping of the son of the then president Michal Kovac during a bitter political tussle.

The new government -- a four-party coalition, headed by the leader of the Democratic Party, Mikulas Dzurinda -- is expected to be sworn in tomorrow Friday.