Skopje, 2 December 2021 (MIA) – Reports that we have discussed cabinet posts or names with Alternativa is speculation. We have not come to this point, we are discussing responsibilities in the Government, says Deputy-Finance Minister and candidate for SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski. “Yesterday we met with Gashi and his team, progress has been made in harmonizing the programme of a possible new government. We exchanged opinions on responsibilities within that Government. Discussions are now taking place within the parties and we will meet once or twice until the end of the week. Posts or names are not a topic of discussion yet, this is only speculation,” Kovachevski told Sitel TV, expressing hope over a positive outcome of the talks. Regarding the next PM, he says the SDSM elections come first, followed by SDSM’s decision on the PM-designate and coordination with coalition partners, and finally the vote in Parliament. Kovachevski says he has enormous respect for PM Zaev. “He made the most difficult decisions in the country, thanks to which we are now in NATO and a step before the start of the EU accession talks. Even when announcing the resignation, he said he would remain in the PM’s post until a parliamentary majority is formed that could cope with the energy crisis, pandemic and Euro-integration process. I would not restrict his PM tenure in days, weeks or months as long as these processes are ongoing,” says Kovachevski. If elected SDSM president, Kovachevski says he would try to identify the best people and attract experts from the outside, diaspora businessmen and academics who could manage challenges in the party and within institutions a more efficient way. “My goal is to give a fair chance to the best people in the party and the country,” notes Kovachevski. On the Bulgaria dispute, he says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supported by the PM and the Secretariat for European Affairs, is in charge of the talks. “I don’t have the details because I am a part of the Government’s economic team. I would refrain from giving comments that could affect the process. Bulgaria is our immediate neighbor and we should develop cooperation at all levels and in all fields. Considering that the country has met EU criteria and has received four consecutive positive reports, I believe now is the time for the EU to determine a date for the first intergovernmental conference and start the talks. Of course, the parliament resolution defining the country’s red lines should be respected,” underlines Kovachevski.