Athens, 15 September 2023 (MIA) – We believe that early elections are not a solution to anything, on the contrary I think we have enough time to work to convince the opposition, whether in part or fully, to support the constitutional amendments. Instead of holding snap elections, we should make use of our time for this difficult decision, said the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, in an interview for Euronews in Greek, MIA’s Athens correspondent reports.

Regarding the constitutional amendments process, Marichikj clarified that it began on August 18, and that currently the procedures of securing a two-third majority are underway, and the first vote will be held when the votes of 80 to 120 MPs are secured.

Marichikj noted that they are holding an open dialogue with all parties and individuals, and that there is only one, single plan – two-third majority. They’re working exclusively on this, he said, through communication with all MPs in order to reach an agreement with at least one group from the opposition.

“How will we convince them? I think that each MP has their own individual responsibility, but also all parties have the responsibility to participate in the decisions that are important for the country’s integration within the European Union,” said Marichikj.

Talking about the Western Balkans’ EU perspective, the Deputy PM noted that membership by 2030 is an achievable goal, noting that a momentum exists which should be used, but also that the Union should maintain its enthusiasm and the candidate states should continue with the reforms.

“It is regrettable that we waited for a war in order to create the momentum over the Union’s enlargement with the Western Balkans, because the promise in Thessaloniki was made 20 years ago, nonetheless, we are glad that the momentum exists,” said Marichikj.

In answer to a question over the support that North Macedonia has received from its neighbors on the EU path, the Deputy PM said Greece is a strong supporter and “without that support we wouldn’t have the enthusiasm to move forward.”

“Regarding Bulgaria, it’s hard to say because a few years ago we had a direct veto, which in our view was completely unjustified and unprovoked, not based on the European standards and values. But on the other hand we see it as a reality, we went through the process of negotiations with them, we have the package, we have the negotiating framework, we have the obligations for both sides and this is the way to solve our differences, through diplomacy, negotiations and by solving difficult questions,” said Marichikj.

In terms of the screening process with the EU, Deputy PM Marichikj clarified that the majority of clusters have been concluded, with only two remaining to be finished by the end of November. He voiced satisfaction that the report on the first clusters has already been adopted in Brussels.

“We don’t see it as a process that will show us that we are perfect, but as a process that will show us how to become perfect in the future, and how to become members of the European Union,” Marichikj told Euronews.