Skopje, 2 March 2024 (MIA) - VMRO-DPMNE supported Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova's candidacy for the coming presidential elections at the party convention in Skopje on Saturday, with 444 out of 454 delegates endorsing her nomination.

"The result has left me speechless. This trust means a lot and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Nothing has meant more than what you have given me - a chance to meet my people. This is incredibly inspiring," said Siljanovska-Davkova.

She said a lot of work lies ahead, urging for an end to divisions, saying there is no democracy without an opposition.

"I assure you that I will not embarrass you, that I will build alliances, that I will integrate not disintegrate, because divisions have led to this country looking like a gladiator arena," said Siljanovska-Davkova.

She added that one does not become a European by repeating EU, EU, EU but by practising democracy, noting that rule of law, human rights and freedoms, individual and minority rights, market economy must be the country's priorities.

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski also addressed the convention, saying the country needs a president who will be the reason in solving problems and defend national interests.

"We need a president who will fight for our EU accession while defending our interests as citizens, defend the Macedonian identity and the Macedonian people," said Mickoski.

He said the coming elections would not decide whether the country joined the EU or not but whether Macedonia is a country governed by laws.

"These are elections where the choice is whether Macedonia is a country with laws that are observed by all, without having first-class or second-class citizens. I believe that citizens know this and will make the right choice, for them, their families and their children," said Mickoski.

His vision of a president is one of the people, not a person advocating for the elites' interests at the expense of the collective interest.

"The head of state belongs to the people and answers only to the people, protects the Constitution that originates from the will of the sovereign - the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. A president of the people, not a servant of elites," underlined Mickoski.

A professor of constitutional law and political system at the Faculty of Law within the Skopje-based University Ss.Cyril and Methodius, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova was VMRO-DPMNE's presidential candidate in 2019 as well. She is currently an independent MP and part of the VMRO-DPMNE group in Parliament.

Photo: MIA