Veles, 1 January 2026 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova expects the country to continue to develop in 2026, the reforms to resume in many areas, to work on the rule of law, but also invest in education, science and culture, while making a breakthrough to its natural destination - the European Union.

"I want us to be understood so that we realize our natural wish to be part of Europe. It is logical that the EU is Europe when those on the inside learn what democracy is. I hope that we will make a breakthrough towards this natural destination," President Siljanovska Davkova told reporters on Thursday.

She said reforms should continue, resulting in the removal of systemic weaknesses.

"We must continue what we have started, such as the judiciary reforms. We must think in a systemic way, because when we analyse the most chocking events, such as the one in Kochani, we always come to the conclusion that the problem is systemic. This is not a problem linked to one or several individuals. We should remove the root causes," said Siljanovska Davkova after visiting Army troops in the Veles barracks.

According to her, the adoption of the Law on the Judicial Council is the first step, as are the Law on the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Criminal Code, because they ensure a systemic approach in the institutions' positioning, their jurisdiction, but mostly in recruiting the right people who believe in the rule of law.

"I am saying this because there is no success in economy or the Army unless there is rule of law. This is the way in which institutions operate and produce results, not only in the judiciary but energy and economy as well," noted Siljanovska Davkova.

According to her, a National Development Strategy is a requirement, in order to define the state's priorities, while noting the importance of the diaspora.

"It is good that we have a strategy for the diaspora for the first time on record. I saw during my visit to the United States of third-generation nationals showing interest for the homeland. By this, I don't only mean learning the Macedonian language, but the contribution provided for its development," said Siljanovska Davkova.

The President said environment and infrastructure are also important.

"Infrastructure is extremely important but this must be complemented with investments in environment, because there is nothing more important than life. By respecting nature, we will deserve to live in a decent environment. We have gone into war with nature and we are moving towards suicide. We must put an end to this," said Siljanovska Davkova.

She added that initiated reforms in education must resume, along with investments in science and culture, while freedom of expression and the role of media should not be neglected.

The President also urged the authorities to put the brakes on, "because power corrupts".

"The incumbent authorities hold the power on local and central level and they must not forget that absolute power can absolutely corrupt. Checks and balances are a must, as is the cooperation with the opposition," underlined Siljanovska Davkova.

Photo: MIA