Skopje, 20 August 2026 (MIA) - SDSM will not be the Government’s alibi for snap parliamentary elections, said party leader Venko Filipche at a press conference Thursday.

“We will not be an alibi. The Prime Minister, who has a two-third majority, can call elections. They have absolute power on all levels – the President, the executive, Parliament, majority in municipalities, central and local government... He can hold elections whenever he wants. Elections will be held once the money for corrupt tenders runs out,” Filipche said.

The SDSM leader said the party is preparing for elections on a daily basis. Asked if SDSM would participate in a leaders’ meeting on holding elections, Filipche said SDSM is ready to participate in “anything that is good for the country”.

“I will attend any meeting if it is for the good of the citizens and the country,” said Filipche, but added that based on his experience with previous meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski “such things aren’t discussed there”. 

MIA file photo