Skopje, 3 April 2024 (MIA) – “Worth It” coalition’s presidential candidate Arben Taravari presented Wednesday his presidential platform founded on four pillars – North Macedonia integrated within the region and Europe; North Macedonia as a producer of security; rule of law in North Macedonia; and North Macedonia as a consensual democracy.

In his address Taravari said as president he would request guarantees from the European Union that there won’t be additional demands for North Macedonia after the constitutional amendments, and he would commit himself to the enhancement of regional cooperation. Taravari also proposed that the country immediately abandon the Open Balkan initiative.

“EU integration is our undisputed goal, it is our only path to stability and sustainable development and it will be my top priority as president. In terms of regional policy I will commit myself to the improvement and enhancement of regional cooperation founded on our values, one of which is support for Kosovo as an independent, sovereign and equal state. My main goals in this area are to seek guarantees from the EU’s high representative that after the constitutional amendments there won’t be additional demands for North Macedonia which aren’t contained in the 2022 negotiating framework; I will grant the mandate to form government to the party or parties who prove they have a majority in Parliament, requesting a plan with deadlines for the realization of the constitutional amendments in line with article 121 of the Constitution; I will propose to Parliament that North Macedonia immediately abandon the Open Balkan initiative,” Taravari said.

As president, Taravari said he would commit himself to a full harmonization of the country’s policies with those of the EU, especially in terms of the EU’s sanctions against Russia.

Regarding the second pillar, North Macedonia as a country that produces security, Taravari said the EU, US and NATO are irreplaceable allies, which is why North Macedonia is ready to play a role in maintaining global peace and security alongside its allies. He stressed that there are no direct external threats for the country, but noted that Russia continues to represent a threat.

Taravari said North Macedonia would ensure a stable, multi-annual defense budget of 2 percent of GDP, in line with the NATO criteria. He also said he would ensure a “de-Yugoslavization” of the Army and the Intelligence Agency.

“I will ensure a de-Yugoslavization of the Army and the Intelligence Agency by appointing only the most proven professionals, including ones with pro-Western values, I will help put an end to our energy dependence on Russia by facilitating the formulation of a national energy concept. My goal is a diversification of energy on all levels, which is the best way to ensure peace and stability. I will also establish a working group for cyber security that will help prevent and prosecute cybercrime,” Taravari said.

Taravari pointed to the corrupted judicial system as the country's greatest enemy, which he said causes young people to leave the country and holds it hostage.

“As the next president, I pledge to request that Parliament adopt a legislative package for a complete reform of the judicial system and prosecution. This package should contain the law on vetting of judges and prosecutors, reform of the electoral system, promotion and disciplining of judges and public prosecutors and complete digitization of courts. I will also push the idea to establish a Committee on Standards in Public Life, on the basis of the UK’s experience,” Taravari said.

Photo: “Worth It” coalition