Skopje, 11 January 2022 (MIA) – The key task of the new Government is to increase the efficiency and performance in the realization of the strategies and policies entrusted to the parliamentary majority by the citizens. Policies to continue and improve, but also to strengthen the institutional capacity and mechanism of generating results, positive outcomes, visible and quantifiable effects for the citizens and the economy, reads the draft-government programme 2022-2024 of PM-designate Dimitar Kovachevski. “We are leaving an exceptionally difficult and challenging period behind us. The health and economic-social risks have inflicted serious and negative consequences on our citizens and the country. Even in such circumstances, we have managed to maintain and upgrade the health system in supporting the personal and collective health, maintain and improve the general economic activity and preserve the population’s living standard. The crisis caused by the pandemic has only highlighted the challenges, the systemic and personal shortcomings, but also ensured mobilization of the national human and institutional capacity in its management,” reads the draft-programme. Kovachevski says the pandemic is still active and the energy crisis represents an added challenge. “Let’s overcome old challenges so that we cope with the new ones better, while transforming our economy for the requirements of the new times. We are offering a continuation and intensification of policies for accelerated economic growth and development of the country, based on continued high growth rates, more domestic and foreign investments, and direct support to personal consumption through higher minimum and average wages and pensions,” notes Kovachevski. He adds the new government will do everything to maintain the stability of the inflation rate as a prerequisite for a predictable economic environment, noting that the health and social protection aspects are strengthening, whereas the human capital is increasingly becoming the basis for the government’s policies and actions. The PM-designate expects rapid increase in the realization of capital investments, primarily in the Corridor VIII strategic infrastructure, as well as regional and local infrastructure projects. Kovachevski says an efficient, rising and productive economy is complementary with an uncompromising fight against crime and corruption, leading to full and effective rule of law at all levels. “We expect to overcome challenges through direct, transparent and inclusive dialogue, leading to institutional start of the negotiations for full-fledged European Union membership while preserving our national and statehood identity. We are convinced that the start of the negotiations will give impulse and contribute to the country’s growth and development, reads the programme. The PM-designate says initiation and implementation of strategic policies will be fully transparent and in partnership with all progressive political, economic and social national and international factors. “The national response to the energy crisis will be the main priority in 2022. We finally must undertake comprehensive, long-term and strategic measures in the implementation of the energy transition. We have a plan that will be communicated with national and international experts. The short-term measures to mitigate the negative effects are in place, but our goal is to launch the energy transition that will ensure North Macedonia’s energy independence based on renewable energy sources, and green energy available to all. We are convinced of our capacities and knowledge, but we also have the required will to implement this,” underlines Kovachevski in the draft-government programme 2022-2024.