Skopje, 14 October 2024 (MIA) - Government Spokesperson Marija Miteva said Monday that the Government has not yet received a new draft legislation on equal representation so far, after the Constitutional Court abolished the 'Balancer' tool.

She stated that the issue is open and will be discussed within the coalition and through a wider debate. The Government believes that before a new legislation is passed, the bill must first be sent to the Venice Commission.

"Until now, no such solution has been forwarded to the Government, nor discussed at a government session, but as soon as the opportunity arises, the public will be informed. Regarding the abolishment of the 'Balancer', we already stated our position that the tool fulfilled its value so we aim to close issues that proved unproductive in the past, and create new solutions that will lead to real equal representation," Miteva told Monday's press-conference at the Government. 

After the 'Balancer' tool was abolished, the 'Worth It' coalition announced they are drafting a new legislation. In a statement to the media on Saturday, Health Minister Arben Taravari said the law is being prepared, and announced a public debate for this week.

"The 'Worth It' coalition is drafting a new bill, which I hope enters public debate next week. We will be in coordination with coalition partners. All sides agreed that the 'Balancer' was not working properly," Taravari said ahead of the World Changers Balkan Summit at the Philharmonic.

As regards the letter that is to be sent to the European institutions for the country's European path, Miteva reiterated the Prime Minister's position that the letter will be drafted and published after the opinions of European representatives taking part in the Berlin Process Summit are considered. 

At a press conference on Saturday, PM Hristijan Mickoski said a letter to the EU is being prepared, but before sending it he wants to have a clearer picture of where the country stands and what can be done. He added that he will attend the Berlin Process Summit and have discussions with many European politicians.

"I would not agree that there is no optimism. I would not agree with the view that there is no understanding of our positions," Mickoski said, adding that if the Negotiating Framework is not changed then “it is best to accept everything and erase ourselves.” ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA archive