Skopje, 26 November 2024 (MIA) – SDSM leader Venko Filipche met Tuesday with President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova and recommended she address "matters within her competence, primarily the partisanship in the security structures," he told the press after the meeting.

Filipche and Siljanovska Davkova also discussed the country's European integration and the possibilities for unblocking the process. He said SDSM would support any improved positions the Government may provide.

"I expressed concern and pointed out that she should react to some matters within her competence, primarily the partisanship in security structures. I pointed out the risk to her. The risk could be very high if the two security agencies were to merge, if such partisanship were to continue, given that we have had such a bad experience in the past. This kind of bulky security partisan institution could be abused," Filipche said after the meeting.

He described the meeting as pleasant and friendly, aimed at constructive cooperation in the future.

The opposition leader said this political dialogue with the President should develop into regular meetings.

Filipche had requested the meeting after the last session of the Committee on European Affairs, during which the President shared her experience as a member of the National European Integration Council.

Asked if the meeting had discussed ways to unblock the European integration through Siljanovska's talks with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Filipche reiterated that SDSM would back any improved position the government might secure in line with its promises and efforts.

"I let the President know that during the negotiations when SDSM was in power, we tried to have the constitutional amendments with a delayed implementation, but this  was not accepted by the Bulgarian side, by the then Prime Minister [Kiril] Petkov. I reiterate: We will support any improved position," Filipche said. mr/