Skopje, 1 September 2025 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE promised improved negotiating position, but they didn’t mention that the negotiations will be suspended, which they practically are since nothing is happening. Also, the reform agenda is deadlocked because Parliament hasn’t passed any reform legislation and no steps are taken as regards the EU’s offer – to adopt the constitutional changes before opening the chapters for negotiations with the EU, SDSM leader Venko Filipche stated Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Filipche said the government is looking for excuses after PM Hristijan Mickoski rejected his call proposing that a joint resolution on the country's European integration should be passed in Parliament.

“The government demanded delaying the adoption of the constitutional changes, they realized it won’t happen. The whole of Europe told them it’s impossible. They demanded that Bulgaria should accept judgments of the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and they also realized that they cannot manage it. There is no diplomatic activity. The only thing the foreign minister talks about is roaming. It’s obvious they are consistent to suspending the negotiations with the EU and we won’t allow it. We will fight because it’s the only future of the country. We’re putting forward a resolution that will define our red lines,” Filipche said after a visit to the Kiro Gligorov elementary school in Skopje’s Centar.

He announced that they will review the document this week and discuss future steps. “If the government has an honest approach, they will sit down to talk either in a leaders’ meeting or in Parliament. This is one of the most crucial issues for the country’s future and progress,” said the opposition leader.

Asked what the red lines will be proposed in the resolution, Filipche said a comprehensive document was being prepared before it is presented to all political parties and the public by the end of the week.

Asked about a leaders’ meeting, Filipche said it is an open offer. “All political stakeholders have refused several offers in the past. Once we show the document to the public, the citizens will see who is in favor of Europe and who isn’t,” Filipche said.

Macedonian national interests being sold is a fake campaign, insisted the SDSM leader, saying: “I believe you shouldn’t lie to the citizens because it’s a serious matter that puts the national interests of the country at risk.”

On VMRO-DPMNE’s accusations calling him a hypocrite following the news of an investment “boom”, Filipche said that real figures were presented.

“We see that in the first six months of last year foreign investments were over 500 million euros, and now they are 220 in the first six months of this year. Here are the results of the government's economic policies. Yesterday, the prime minister said that there is an increase in industrial production, and he did not say that it is just a question of a difference in prices because all raw materials and everything used in industrial production has become more expensive. This is where the increase in prices comes from, industrial production has not physically increased, there is no more production. Unfortunately, we see catastrophic policies, policies of neglect towards citizens, at every level. Prices in the markets are not under control, salaries are not increasing at all. Yesterday we commented on the problem with the winegrowers. You can come out and say anything, but people know how much money everyone gets and how much they can buy for their children,” Filipche told reporters.

He wished the pupils and their families a successful school year.

Фото: МИА 

Видео: СДСМ