Skopje, 17 December 2023 (MIA) - In order to continue the European path, it is important to complete the process of constitutional amendments. They are part of the Negotiating Framework with the EU, it is the only prerequisite for the country to move forward. Any delay is disastrous for the country, it means uncertainty of the negotiations and of full-fledged membership. That is why this is the most important question at this moment for Macedonian citizens and for the country's future, because it directly concerns the perspectives of the citizens, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski.

In an interview with the weekly Fokus, Kovachevski pointed to the benefits for the citizens from the Government's integration policies, as opposed to the isolation policies of the previous government.

The PM highlights the uniqueness of the opportunity that the country has to finally achieve the European strategic goal, the support and expectations from strategic partners.

"We are in a unique context for a breakthrough in European integration and finally achieving our second strategic goal, in conditions where the Union needs us, and not only us, due to the need to ensure the stability of the European continent. We proved to be a factor of stability and security in the region with the successful OSCE Chairpersonship and membership and contribution to NATO. That's why now, U.S. and EU partners expect us to make a wise move amid this important global context," said Kovachevski. 

He mentions that there have been direct messages not to cooperate with those who put the brakes on North Macedonia's democratic, European development. 

"Constitutional changes will be made, because it is in the interest of the citizens and the Republic of North Macedonia. Our cards are always open, and the citizens know where they stand with us. The source of the dramas that we have seen in the past period comes in the ranks of the opposition, which doesn't know where it is headed in its disorientation. North Macedonia will continue forward. But with the harmful quasi-nationalism, this party will be isolated, in the long-run, until they gather the strength internally, to reform," Kovachevski said. 

According to him, the party that only talks about elections for three years should not look for excuses and alibi for the defeat, but fulfill its obligations according to the law.

"I look at the question of whether VMRO-DPMNE will participate in the caretaker government from two or three aspects. First, it is a legal solution that all parties should respect. Second, the party that only talks about elections should not look for excuses, should not look for alibi of any type. Third, it is irresponsible on their part to cast a stain on the entire election process, i.e. they should not look for excuses for the defeat. They obviously understand that they cannot achieve what they talk about on TV," Kovachevski said.

The pro-European coalition will be the winner in the parliamentary elections, he pointed out adding that with that pro-European government, in the next mandate, North Macedonia will be a member state of the European Union.

"That is my promise, what the majority of our citizens want, which I undertake to fulfill for the benefit of our people. We shook hands with all pro-European, democratic forces, the door is open to achieve the common goal - North Macedonia, a member state of the EU," said Kovachevski.

In the interview, Kovachevski also speaks about the European front, which was launched as an initiative last year and whose goal is uniting on the country's European path.

"It is a political concept which in its essence is a statesman's concept for the future, a vision that we share. I see this concept as a need for the country, for its future. Following the leaders' meeting and the formal invitation to form a broad European front, to all political and social stakeholders who support EU membership, it is a logical follow-up. In this direction, we called on all political entities, civil society organizations and associations, activists, all those who support the European path and all who see the future of the country as a full member of the EU, to contribute and join the European Front," said Prime Minister and SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski. 

Photo: MIA archive