Skopje, 18 April 2024 (MIA) - I am convinced that 20 days from now, we will seal a big victory and success for European Macedonia. SDSM and the Coalition for European Future will form the new government that will lead the country into the EU by 2030 but also bring Europe here in Macedonia, SDSM leader and list principal in the first election district Dimitar Kovachevski told an event that launched the campaign for the parliamentary elections on Thursday.

Kovachevski presented SDSM results as part of the ruling authorities and promoted the future plans for the economy, support for citizens and businesses, fight against corruption etc.

"We are aware that many mistakes have been made and I take full responsibility for this. We know that citizens are disappointed with the price hikes, corruption, willfulness, laziness and abuse by some politicians. The citizens are right and I accept their criticism over the mistakes that have been made. Only those who are self-critical and aware of their own mistakes have the power to correct them. That is why we created a sustainable and attainable plan that is part of our programme for the coming four years," noted Kovachevski.

He announced a final, decisive and efficient fight against crime and corruption.

"We will no longer see cases in drawers, we will finally carry out the vetting of judges and prosecutors. We will start from the MP candidates, then other politicians, judges, prosecutors and all those who have raked up wealth over the past 32 years," said Kovachevski.

According to him, EU membership remains the coalition's main focus, saying there is no other alternative to building a country that everyone wishes to see.

"EU is the only way to change things for the better. There is no giving up on completion of the EU accession negotiations by 2028 and fulfilling Macedonia's dream to join EU by 2030," said Kovachevski.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) said in a video address during the event that a strong EU requires an enlargement process with North Macedonia and other countries of the Western Balkans.