Skopje, 1 April 2025 (MIA) - The public administration isn’t just a mechanism to implement legislation and policies, it is also a reflection of country’s efficiency and its commitment to the citizens. The better organized it is, the faster and higher quality services it will be able to offer. Unfortunately, in past years we’ve witnessed weaknesses, partisanship, inefficiency, and insufficient competence by some staff members, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said at the second session Tuesday of the Public Administration Reform Council. 

Mickoski said the Government would focus on certain elements in the public administration to make it more efficient. 

“We are fighting for a merit-based system instead of one based on partisan influence. A professional administration means that employment and promotions will be based on knowledge, skills and results, and not on political or personal connections. The implementation of transparent criteria for the selection, testing and continued evaluation will guarantee that only the best will be a part of the institutions,” Mickoski stressed. 

The PM also highlighted the importance of digitization. 

“Digitization is also very significant for greater efficiency. The modern public administration must be technologically advanced. We will invest in digital tools that will reduce the processing time for applications, eliminate needless steps and boost efficiency. A high-quality administration requires motivated and satisfied civil servants. That means improved working conditions, fair wages and opportunities for promotion based on real contributions,” Mickoski said. 

He noted that public administration reform is a necessity for a modern, European country. 

“This is not a change that will happen overnight, but it is a reform that we must implement if we want a modern, European country. The public administration must be a service for the citizens, and not an institution that holds the country back. It is time to create a system in which professionals will move the administration forward,” Mickoski noted. 

According to the Ministry of Public Administration, the second session of the council focused on the analysis and implementation of the Public Administration Reform Strategy 2023-2030, the adoption of annual reports for 2023 and 2024, and the presentation of the findings of the SIGMA assessment mission for the country’s progress in the field.

Photo: Government