Brussels, 15 March 2023 (MIA) - It would be ideal for the parliamentary procedure on the constitutional changes to begin before the summer, sometime in June, so that the entire procedure is implemented through an inclusive process that involves experts and the opposition, said Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj in Brussels on Wednesday.

"The Government opened the issue at yesterday's session and a consultative process will be launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice, so that the constitutional changes are formulated in the coming two-three weeks through an inclusive process involving experts and the opposition," said Deputy PM Marichikj.

According to him, a public debate would follow, discussing the amendments and their significance beyond the mere incorporation of several communities in the Constitution.

Regarding the two-thirds majority in the Parliament for adoption of the constitutional amendments, the Deputy PM said this is 'the million-dollar question" that he cannot give an answer to at this time.

"We will try to do everything to deliver on our commitment arising from the Negotiating Framework by the end of the screening, which is to changer the Constitution and incorporate several communities in its preamble," added Marichikj.

He expects the constitutional changes to also be discussed during the visit of EU High Representatives for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi to Skopje by the end of the week.

"We will use these meetings to highlight the importance of partnership relations from both Skopje and Sofia if we want to be successful in the process of constitutional changes and implementation of the so-called French proposal," said Marichikj.

The Deputy PM expressed regret over the lack of partnership approach by Bulgarian politicians, considering the pre-election campaign in the country, but expected this to change after the end of the elections.

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