Skopje, 21 April 2024 (MIA) — All countries have their own mafia, but in Macedonia is in danger of the mafia having its own state, VMRO-DPMNE presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said at an election rally in Skopje's Aerodrom on Sunday.

According to her, the country needs to begin an uncompromising battle with the mafia and systemic crime and corruption helped by "characters resembling those from the mafia [who] are nested in the highest positions."

"I think that on May 8, a difficult, ugly phase of governing will be sealed and a new reform phase will begin," Siljanovska-Davkova said. 

"It takes smart, honest and dedicated people to do this. People who will put state and national interests before any others. People who, being bold and proud, will demand from large and medium-sized countries as well as from the EU, and all the states in it, well-deserved respect," she said.

"Let's stop wasting time proving we are who we are. Asking someone to prove that they are person, that they are a woman, that they are Macedonian is rude," Siljanovska-Davkova said.

She also mentioned SDSM and their presidential candidate Stevo Pendarovski's rally that was held near the EU Info Center in Skopje.

"I heard they held a rally in front of the European Commission, the building. It probably wasn't chosen at random. I wonder if maybe they are protesting against European policy or begging to stay in power with their support," she said. 

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski told Aerodrom supporters that the upcoming elections were a referendum for Macedonian citizens to take back the country. He said he expected victories on April 24 and May 8, with the coalition led by VMRO-DPMNE winning 61 MP seats and forming the next government.

Mickoski said the election results would lead to "liberation of Macedonia and unification around five important principles."

"The first, respect for the rule of law and responsibility for those who have sinned against the laws. The second principle is economic development, raising the living standard and a better life for all citizens. The third principle is leading a dignified foreign policy, based on mutual respect and safeguarding national and state interests. Fourth, upholding human rights and freedoms. Macedonia was and will remain a free, independent and sovereign state. Fifth, and perhaps the most important, is to return Macedonia to the people," Mickoski said, adding that the DUI leadership had robbed the people helped by SDSM. mr/