Skopje, 29 May 2023 (MIA) — President Stevo Pendarovski has signed Corridor 8 and 10 d construction-related bills into law because the project was in the best interest of the public and not because it was allegedly a calculated move to gain the ruling coalition's support for a second-term bid, he told a press conference Monday.

Four years into his term, he said, he was under public scrutiny every day. He added that the public was well aware he had disagreed on several occassions either with the government or the ruling parties that supported his candidacy in 2014 and 2019.

"I have never made any calculated moves to get support," Pendarovski said.

He also dismissed allegations that he was currying favor with the United States.

"I hear some are wondering," he said, "since Bechtel and Enka are in the background, whether if I signed [the bills into law] I would get the support of America."

"These are childish analyses. They have never been grounded in reality. I have never thought that way.

"If it benefits the citizens, I sign it, regardless of who has proposed it. If it goes against their interests, there is no person that can sway me."

"I have shown many times that I think for myself," Pendarovski pointed out in response to a reporter's question whether greenlighting the Corridors 8 and 10d construction project was a calculated move on his part to get support for a second presidential bid.

Asked if he feared Oliver Spasovski as a potential rival in the next presidential election, the head of state said self-confidence was key.

"If you have fear in life, you don't venture into anything, let alone politics," he said. "Fearing whoever doesn't matter. What matters is having confidence in yourself."

"If you, yourself, feel ready [to do something], I don't think any fear of any potential opponent can stop you or keep you home watching TV," Pendarovski said. mr/