Skopje, 2 August 2025 (MIA) - SDSM leader Venko Filipche extended on Saturday in Krushevo a message of congratulations on August 2, Republic Day - Ilinden. 

"I extend my congratulations on the occasion of the Ilinden holiday from the historic and brave Krushevo, where the revolution began, where the great struggle began, the epic for a free, independent state. Today we celebrate the two Ilindens, the one in 1903 and the one in 1944 and ASNOM. We must first remember and pay tribute to all the victims who, with their blood, with their sacrifice, were embedded into the foundations of our modern state. They began the struggle, from a poor, semi-feudal and underdeveloped country, so that we can now live in a modern and developed state," said Filipche. 

He added that the struggle for the country's integration in the EU continues today, noting that it requires hard work, as well as unification.

"Still, we must admit that our peacetime struggle is not over, that we still have to work very hard, to finally become part of Europe where we belong, both civilizationally, culturally, and geographically. We must all work together and put aside the divisions and the qualifications of patriots and traitors, because true patriotism is only the progress of our country," SDSM leader Filipche said.

Photo: MIA