Skopje, 22 February 2024 (MIA) — Speaking at a press conference broadcast via social media from the Democratic Union for Integration Mala Rechica headquarters, DUI leader Ali Ahmeti urged voters to vote "NO for Russia, YES for Europe" and for holding presidential elections in Parliament so lawmakers would elect the country's President and Vice President with a two-thirds majority and double majority according to the Badinter principle.

Ahmeti said that changing the Constitution to elect the head of state in Parliament would make it possible to implement the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria and continue the country's European integration process.

"The upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections are of landmark importance in this battle," the DUI leader said. "So we have decided to ask you to stay together, to align with us on meeting our request (of 2016 and 2020) for constitutional changes and electing the President and Vice President in Parliament, including the Bulgarian and other communities into the Constitution and saying a firm NO to Russia, and YES to Europe." 

"I firmly pledge before you that we will not be part of any government that will not change the Constitution," Ahmeti said. "We will go into opposition to fight and defeat the existential threats to our country."

He also said that current Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani would be DUI's presidential candidate.

"Bujar should lead this change we have been requesting in our 2016 and 2020 programs," Ahmeti said.

"Bujar proved himself on the domestic and international stage, contributing to the battle against Russia," he said, adding that Osmani had also participated in the start of EU membership talks. 

"With Bujar, we are beginning the most important vote of our times and our next battle to win your trust in order to elect the President in Parliament, with a two-thirds majority and a Badinter majority so we can fulfill our vision of a Consensual President," Ahmeti said. mr/