Skopje, 18 January 2023 (MIA) – The constitutional amendments will be debated with civil society organizations and experts in the coming weeks and months in terms of their content, as well as in terms of their political significance, Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj said in response to a reporter’s question at a press conference Wednesday. 

According to Marichikj, the political significance is much more than just constitutional changes to a part of the preamble and an amendment to the Committee for Relations between Communities, but, he noted, the constitutional amendments practically mean a “green light” on our part, from the Parliament, for continuing negotiations with the European Union.  

“The issue of constitutional amendments is an issue that has already been opened. Expert level consultations are already underway, and a leaders’ meeting was already held in the Parliament that initiated the dialogue. The constitutional amendments will be debated with civil society organizations and experts in the coming weeks and months in terms of their content, as well as in terms of their political significance,” said Marichikj.  

He believes the debate that is to be held between civil society organizations and the academic public with the business community about the political and economic significance, as well as the significance of the constitutional amendments in the long run for the country, will launch an institutional discussion and continue the procedure within the Parliament.  

“We should be prepared, and everyone should contribute to this process, so that it can start successfully, and more importantly, be completed successfully,” Marichikj added.  

As regards whether a leaders’ meeting has been announced to discuss constitutional amendments, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said it is currently not planned, but will be convened if needed.