Skopje, 9 May 2024 (MIA) - VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski told a Kanal 5 TV interview on Thursday he expects the new Parliament to be constituted by May 28, adding that there is a possibility that VMRO-DPMNE and its coalition could “consolidate” 61 MPs by then.

“There are already hints from the new MPs who are planning to support the new government. As the party’s leader, I expect to consolidate 61 MPs by May 28,” Mickoski said, adding that it would be difficult to have a repeat of VMRO-DPMNE's “historic” result in future elections.

He reiterated that the “Worth It” coalition would be their main coalition partner. The VMRO-DPMNE leader described the coalition as a “true representative of the Albanian community” in the country, adding that all who respect VMRO-DPMNE's election manifesto will be welcome in the future government.

“By winning 107.000 votes, the ‘Worth It’ coalition confirmed it has the credibility to act as a credible partner of the future government that will be led by VMRO-DPMNE and the ‘Your Macedonia’ coalition. We will give everyone a chance, though I don’t expect DUI to accept the government’s new policies. [DUI leader Ali] Ahmeti surrounded himself with the wrong people, that’s why he has to go to the opposition. However, we need 80 MPs in Parliament for systemic reforms and that’s why we will give everyone a chance,” Mickoski said.

He stressed that the country’s demography and fertility rate will represent a great challenge for the new government. Mickoski also noted that they aim to reform the ministries by shifting some of their authorizations and eliminating the posts of minister without portfolio.

The VMRO-DPMNE leader said he would hold a meeting Friday with their partners from the “Your Macedonia” coalition, during which they will hear their positions and proposals regarding the future government.

“Informal communication already exists with ‘Worth It’ as a potential coalition partner, but first we need to have meetings with the ‘Your Macedonia’ coalition, and select people that will negotiate, who will then also have to be approved by the party’s bodies,” Mickoski said and added he wouldn’t like to lead the negotiations for a government coalition “under pressure and with ultimatums, but through dialogue and arguments”.

Mickoski stressed he is the first who would like to see the country in the EU, but added he doesn’t accept “ultimatums through which the Macedonian people will be paying for the mistakes of certain irrational politicians”.

“We must show character and not be subservient if we want to be respected,” he said. 

Photo: VMRO-DPMNE