Skopje, 11 April 2024 (MIA) - Macedonia needs a president with integrity, character and principles, a person protecting national interests and citizens, says ZNAM presidential candidate Maksim Dimitrievski.

Dimitrievski told Telma that citizens should go out in masses to vote on April 24.

"The choice is yours. You are the ones who decide Macedonia's destiny. Mass turnout will say No to the political elite that has been manipulating all of us for 30 years. You will also bring a breath of fresh air in politics," says Dimitrievski.

Asked who he would like to face in the runoff, Dimitrievski says he would beat any candidate.

"ZNAM will be one of the major factors in the future political scene and will not change the position I represent," he says.

On the termination of benefits for outgoing officials, Dimitrievski says he would definitely cut them.

"Regarding the number of lawmakers, I believe they should be reduced, whereas Macedonia should be a single election district," notes Dimitrievski.

He says the country has not made a single step forward in the EU negotiating process, while promises that Macedonia would be a full-fledged EU member by 2030 are manipulation, since 35 chapters must be closed.

He reiterates that Bulgarians and other ethnic communities can be incorporated in the Constitution but the amendments should enter into force once Macedonia joins the EU, in order "to protect ourselves from other requirements and get additional guarantees."

Dimitrievski also believes that the chief prosecutor should be nominated by the opposition and elected by a two-thirds majority, while also setting up a special body that will detect key corruption points.

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