Skopje, 3 July 2024 (MIA) - Venko Filipche took over the post of Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) leader from Dimitar Kovachevski at the party's headquarters on Wednesday. 

Kovachevski congratulated Filipche on his election wishing him "further success in his work and in rebuilding a victorious SDSM", the party said in a press release.  

Filipche thanked Kovachevski for his engagement in the past years as leader of the party and as prime minister. 

The newly elected leader noted that "a period of hard work, unification and reform of SDSM is ahead", reads the press release. 

"The process will neither be quick nor easy, but other than fundamental changes, there is no other way to restore the trust of the members, so that we can gradually win the trust of the citizens. I will lead by example, unite and work as I promised, as I committed to before the members. Everyone's voice will be heard. With frequent and open communication with the membership, we will create new energy for the party, which we will transform into an efficient organization. SDSM will come back stronger and will continue to be an engine of social progress," said Filipche. 

SDSM notes in the press release that the former Minister of Health Venko Filipce "won a convincing victory in the direct internal party elections with over 9,000 votes from party members".

"SDSM is the only party in the country with such a high democratic capacity, electing the leader in direct, immediate intra-party elections," adds the press release.

Photo: SDSM