Skopje, 8 September 2024 (MIA) — In his speech at the official celebration of Independence Day held at the Philharmonic under the slogan "Together We Fight, Together We'll Triumph," Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said citizens deserved to live in a country guided by honesty and justice. "It is time we put an end to lawlessness and built a state protecting the citizens' interests," he said.

"Crime cannot be stronger than the Government. This evil is coming to an end," PM Mickoski said, announcing ten principles the Government would be focusing on going forward. These include justice and the rule of law, putting an end to political partisanship, improving the standard of citizens, and meeting the strategic goal of entering the European Union.

He said justice and the rule of law were to be instituted "through personal examples and collective resignations from all those shameful people who decided to embarrass themselves and their families and break the law."

"Regardless of who they are and what they are in this country, they will either be honest citizens or they will be held responsible and accountable for their actions. Regardless of whether they are the Government or the opposition," the prime minister pointed out.

Mickoski stressed that partisanship and ethnic tensions needed to stop.

"We need to put a moratorium on ethnically produced topics that are pushed by individual lucrative interests. We need to put an end to the list, the long list of wishes for ethnic rights, that has nothing behind it but the personal interest of those who produce them at the expense of the collective interest," Mickoski said.

"I want solutions for people's personal problems and not solutions for the personal interests of small groups of politicians who abuse the collective suffering of the people," he said.

He singled out improving citizens' standards, a fair society and investments in education as necessities.

He also pointed out that the nation needed to have a general agreement to fulfill the strategic goal of EU membership.

"We have no other alternative. There is no other realistic chance. The people's desire for EU membership is a desire for a better standard, higher criteria, more money, and a working system. And we, as a Government and as a society, must not deviate from the European path," Mickoski stressed.

The prime minister also spoke about the fight against emigration, ideological battles, and unity.

"For all these principles, I ask for unity and cohesion," Mickoski said. 

"I am sending a message to the opposition leaders. We should all unite around these ten principles. Get rid of the crime in your ranks and reform yourselves. And accept what I am offering as a platform we can unite around," he said.

The PM shared his vision for a future founded on strong commitment to economic growth and development, ensuring a better living standard for all citizens.

He said the country had the potential to become a regional economic leader, with modern infrastructure, a competitive economy and innovations supporting young people and entrepreneurs.

"We will continue the reforms improving the business climate and supporting new investments and jobs. With joint efforts, we will create conditions for young people to see a future here, be able to make their dreams come true, and want to stay and contribute to society," he said.

Attending the official celebration were President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, and other top officials, diplomats and members of the religious communities.

The celebration began with a performance of the Macedonian national anthem by a children's choir. It also featured a premiere showing of a new video rendition of Blazhe Koneski's "Embroideress" poem and a concert of the National Jazz Orchestra performing works by Macedonian authors.

Also screened at the Independence Day celebration was archival footage from the country's 1991 referendum and celebration of independence. mr/