Skopje, 22 April 2024 (MIA) - SDSM's presidential candidate, Stevo Pendarovski, at an election rally in Demir Hisar Monday afternoon, called on the leaders of DUI and VMRO-DPMNE to refrain from escalating rhetoric on an interethnic basis. He stated that the country does not need the rhetoric from yesterday's DUI rally and the response from the main opposition party.

“I urge both sides, do not escalate rhetoric on the interethnic issue two days, three days, five days before the elections because it is highly sensitive, highly explosive. You know we had a conflict in 2001, we barely recovered from it, and I don't want any political party to score electoral points on nationalism. Because - what will we do when the elections are over?" Pendarovski said.

In his view, these are people with experience, "who are not newcomers," yet he still appeals to reason and to focusing on what is most important for Macedonia.

"The most important things are the economy, social policies, and the fight against corruption. We must raise the citizens' standard of living and not escalate tensions with discussions about who is a greater patriot," Pendarovski stressed.

Following his meeting with citizens in Demir Hisar, on the final day of the election campaign, Pendarovski will visit Resen tonight and address a rally in Bitola.

Photo/video: Stevo Pendarovski’s communications team