Gostivar, 27 April 2024 (MIA) - SDSM is a strong party, and if anyone thinks we will give up just like that, then they either don't know us or are underestimating us. Our historical tradition and our resilience, but also our commitment to Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic future, are the best proof that we do not give up and will not give up, SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski said Saturday evening at the rally in Gostivar.

“I want to assure that SDSM will never abandon its values. SDSM has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the citizens during all economic, healthcare, and energy crises. I agree that we remember our mistakes more. I know that it hasn't been easy for you, the citizens, in recent years. But, we never once gave up on you and managed to overcome the energy and economic crisis. Therefore, tonight I ask you not to give up on us," Kovachevski said.

He stressed that together with the citizens, they succeeded in toppling the VMRO-DPMNE regime and, as he stated, in freeing the country from the clutches of VMRO after 11 years of isolation.

"With your support, Macedonia joined NATO and made tough decisions to start EU negotiations after 30 years. SDSM is the only political power that knows how to achieve this. Therefore, be sure that together with the citizens, with heads held high, on May 8, we will again go to the polls and again say - yes, we are the ones for a progressive, forward-thinking European Macedonia," Kovachevski stressed.

“On Wednesday’s first round of presidential elections," he added, "the citizens sent us a strong message. We heard that message, we accept responsibility, and I am aware, but every member of SDSM, every official who represented the party in the past seven years, must also be aware that this is an assessment for everyone. This is an assessment of everyone's behavior, of how they worked, and how they behaved towards their neighbors, friends, and the broader public...,” he said.

The elections on May 8, he stressed, will be very tough for everyone.

"But we have had your support even when it was hardest, and I remind you that the result is still undecided. Resolute and united, we will continue to fight and fulfill our commitment to see Macedonia in the EU," Kovachevski underlined.

Slavjanka Petrovska, list principal in the sixth election district, stated that they are not avoiding difficult questions, but they also do not deny their mistakes.

“Susceptible to the injustices that come from outside, and all the difficult decisions, both in terms of our reputation and our relations with our neighbors, weigh heavily on us. All of this burdens our souls, but we cannot deceive you by saying that there is success without a cost for our Macedonia to reach where it rightfully belongs – in a civilized, European family with high standards, where salaries enable a decent life, rather than mere survival,” Petrovska said.

For all of this, she noted, it's crucial not to lose hope in the sole option that clearly states it - that in a few years, Gostivar, Macedonia will become part of the EU, and together, our standards and salaries will rise, alongside our children and grandchildren.

“Therefore, I will continue to fight even more for Macedonia to become a member of the EU and for us to be proud of all that we have achieved so far,” Petrovska said.

Ema Neshkovska, MP candidate from Gostivar, said that in the elections on April 24, SDSM received the message from the citizens and heard their views.

“We acknowledge the mistakes of the past and don't evade responsibility for them. We see that our former party colleagues and comrades are now joining a political movement that clearly aids VMRO-DPMNE in pursuing its interests and goals. On May 8, we start from scratch, and every vote cast for SDSM and the Coalition for European Future means preventing authoritarian rule and thwarting a new strong regime in the country,” Neshkovska added.

Photo: print screen