Skopje, 6 August 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski said that the ruling coalition is stable and does not expect any changes in regard to action of the pro-European parties regarding the constitutional amendments.

When asked whether the turmoil in the DUI, the secession of members, the formation of a new political party by Izet Mexhiti will affect the stability of the coalition, as well as the process of constitutional amendments, PM Kovachevski said in an interview with MIA that all parliamentary parties and all MPs individually “are aware of the importance of the historical moment and correctness in making the right decision that will pave our European path.”

“The Parliament is the place where in the past we made key decisions that defined the fate and future of the country. It will be the same now. The MPs should consider carefully and make a historic decision, whether they will vote for Europe or vote for isolation, whether they will decide for a better future and prosperity or for being trapped in the past,” Kovachevski underlined.

In regard to the US blacklist and its widening with DUI officials, specifically the Struga mayor Ramiz Merko, with Orce Kamchev and in general the problem of corruption and impunity in high level corruption, Kovachevski said that no one should be above the law and everyone should take responsibility for the actions.

“Institutions have a responsibility to verify allegations of possible corrupt activities by any individual and determine whether they are true. Therefore, we encourage the judicial authorities to independently decide and take steps to advance the plan of the administration of justice and the practice of impartiality and professionalism, which will strengthen the judicial integrity, Kovachevski said.

Regarding the continuity of impunity, the failure of the SPO, but also the inefficiency of the current judicial authorities, he said that the policies and reforms being implemented are aimed at creating an independent and transparent judiciary.

“The judiciary, prosecution, authorities conducting investigations should be freed from political, party or business interests that not only undermine the image of the entire justice system, but also our country as a whole. Fighting corruption is our top priority. The fact that several competent institutions are taking measures to prevent and sanction corrupt acts is encouraging. In this regard, Interior Ministry has intensified its activities in this field. In 2022, 124 corrupt crimes were discovered, for which 164 perpetrators (158 individuals and 6 legal entities) were criminally charged for causing material damage, greater than Mden 227 million,” he noted.

Strengthening the fight against corruption and the rule of law, Kovachevski added, can also be achieved through the accession process, which detects weaknesses, but also offers solutions through the criteria that we need to meet to enter the EU.

“The experiences of other countries show that the accession process will contribute to better dealing with corruption, and that is what the citizens expect, a functional state based on justice and democracy, on the rule of law,” Kovachevski said in an interview with MIA.

Photo: MIA archive