Krushevo, 2 August 2024 (MIA) - The unity which the Krushevo Manifesto was founded on is increasingly less present, but it is an ideal that makes every battle worth it and that’s why the battle must continue. I won’t discuss topics that create tensions and exploit ethnic issues, I urge all parties, entities and leaders, let’s talk about what really matters, and that’s the economy, education and innovations that bring the future, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said at Friday’s marking of Republic Day – Ilinden in Krushevo.  

According to Mickoski, Ilinden isn’t only a tale or dream from history, but above all a historical truth, “Ilinden is our greatest call to action and unity today,” he said, adding that “at a time of global challenges, our battle to protect our national identity and sovereignty is greater than ever before, and Ilinden is a call to us all – to continue fighting for our rights, for our freedom.” 

“The battle isn’t over, the battle continues. We are leading the battle with every spoken word, with every action taken, with every dream for a better future. This is the battle of our generation with which we leave a mark on history, firmly believing in it and its greatness. The battle continues, the Ilinden fighters and the partisans fought with weapons in hand for freedom, we [will fight] with wisdom, vision and energy for the future that everyone deserves. Losing this fight is not an option, only together, through great unity and dedication, can we win,” Mickoski stressed. 

What is concerning, according to the PM, is the existence of “elements and entities in society which continuously present demands, create conflicts and attack unity”.

“In that sense, the feeling that not all entities and political stakeholders are equally committed to our homeland is inevitable, i.e., through their narratives they will always respect it, but through their actions they do the opposite. That’s why I previously spoke of the unity that the Krushevo Manifesto was built on that is increasingly less present today, but it is an ideal that makes every battle worth it and that’s why the battle must continue. And this is the political folklore, although in the very essence the motives for this behavior towards the homeland are equal to acting as if it is foreign, they lie in personal interests and lucrative goals which are unfortunately still present,” Mickoski said. 

According to the PM, the essence lies in the efforts to improve the lives of the citizens, and not the made-up political demands.

“They make up demands to win power which for them means privileges, money, malls, empires, buildings, property, comforts gained on the back of the people. And everyone pays for this together – the Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Roma, Bosniaks and all citizens. And when they throw around demands with which they strike at the country, they should be aware that I, too, as a leader can and in essence have demands that could easily be placed on the table, but will that solve the fundamental problems of the citizens? Will that build trust and secure a future for us all? We all live under the same sky and share one common destiny,” Mickoski said. 

The Prime Minister said he wouldn’t discuss topics that “cause tensions and exploit ethnic issues”, and urged all leaders and entities to “talk about what really matters, and that’s the economy, education and innovations that bring the future”.

“Let’s talk about more money for the people and the economy. Let’s launch a debate on the economy and how to solve the problems of the citizens here in Krushevo, Gostivar, Debar or Strumica and Prilep, Kavadarci or Kichevo. I extend a hand for solutions of problems, for constructive dialogues and proposals on how to improve lives. I extend a hand for dialogue on an economic, legal, emotional renewal of our shared Macedonia. Let’s secure unity for an economic future,” Mickoski said.

The PM underlined that the Government has an economic vision for the development of the country, creating “a better life and a certain future”.

“That’s how we will build unity and create a future for all. We have an economic vision for a developed Macedonia. A new era of development and new jobs is ahead. This is only the beginning of our economic rebirth, and the best is yet to come. Our goal is to create a stable and prosperous economy that will ensure all our citizens have a better life and a certain future,” the Prime Minister said in his speech in Krushevo. 

Photo: Government