Skopje, 8 October 2025 (MIA) — VMRO-DPMNE president Hristijan Mickoski at a campaign rally in Sopishte ahead of the Oct. 19 local elections spoke about the country's judiciary and said it should be impartial, with judges judging according to the law.

Mickoski said justice cannot be a privilege of a few. He also said some institutions had "brakes" inside, blocking reforms. He also referred to this as a "deep state" within the state.

"I have been asked a lot recently as to why and how we are not implementing reforms in the judiciary, reforms in the prosecution," he said, adding that this was a painful topic because the judiciary and the prosecution were "the last bastions defending the previous government." 

He said cases were not processed but "kept in drawers."

"But after these local elections, we will return to this topic," Mickoski said.

He said it was time for a "system reset" and an impartial and indomitable judiciary. 

"We are about to face the moment generations have been waiting for. It's time for a system reset. The time has come to break the chains of injustice and build a state of justice, freedom and care for everyone," he said. 

"The judiciary must be impartial and indomitable, with judges judging according to the law and not according to influences. Institutions need to protect, instead of keeping silent," Mickoski said.

According to Mickoski, justice should not be a privilege of a few, but the human right of all.

"Freedom is not just a word in the Constitution, but a vibrant way of life: freedom of opinion, freedom of speech, freedom from fear and pressure," the VMRO-DPMNE leader said.

He also announced improvements to the health care system.

"The health care system will be the pillar of this country," he said, promising "modern hospitals, affordable medicines, professional staff and prevention that protects families, instead of leaving the vulnerable to fight on their own."

Mickoski also stressed that the state should set clear rules and have zero tolerance for corruption.

He also said "small and large brakes suffocate the work of the state, brakes built into the institutions, operating secretly or openly." 

These were not part of a single ministry of a party, but entire networks across multiple parties, state institutions and "unfortunately, sometimes across ethnic communities," he said.

"At all levels, from the smallest agencies to larger structures, there are elements working as part of a 'deep state'," Mickoski said. mr/