Shtip, 27 September 2025 (MIA) – Speaking at Saturday's event to promote mayoral candidates for the upcoming local elections, VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski also mentioned the resolution on "red lines" which opposition SDSM leader Venko Filipche presented. Mickoski pointed out that while the government is fighting for an honest and successful Macedonia, "we can see what our opponents are fighting for".

"We see that our opponents are trying to deceive the people with tricks and empty declarations again. They are announcing some kind of "red lines" for Bulgaria, but in essence we know what their declarations are worth and how much they are worth and how long they last. Yet, what I still cannot understand is who they are sending a signal to? Who are they hostages to? How long will their arrangement last? The people are not naive. The people remember them well. We remember all their statements from the past, their betrayals, their lies. And that is precisely why, this time, there will come an even greater punishment in these elections compared to the previous ones," said Mickoski.

The VMRO-DPMNE leader pointed out that he will not allow red lines of this kind or that, recognizable or unrecognizable, to be red lines that will draw the contours of another betrayal in the future, noting "if they are allowed to realize their plan".

"Ask yourself why they are imposing this topic before the elections? I reiterate, I don't know, and I wonder what they are hoping for, to whom they are sending this signal. But our people have shown throughout the centuries that they are wise, they remember well what power SDSM and DUI had until just a year ago, and what they did. They also remember those tragicomic statements about the Macedonian string that plays in the soul of their former prime minister and current guru, they also remember the statements that the Constitution will not be changed, and the promises that he made while all these people who are now in that leadership applauded him. Now that same team is offering a resolution that we already know they will not respect even as such. But I ask again, who is making them do that? Who are they working for? How long will their arrangement last?" Mickoski asked.

He added that because of such arrogance and because of many other things, the opposition SDSM must be severely punished in these elections, because they continue to underestimate their own people.

"And they want to fool them again with their petty tricks, so they can have different priorities instead of their own people. But we will not allow that. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people because we do not care about power, and we do not have trade deals through which we sell out identity and history. Macedonia, the Macedonian red lines and the Macedonian interests are important to us! Therefore, SDSM should first do some self-reflection, write a press release to begin with, and issue a statement in which they will apologize to the Macedonian people for the betrayals they have committed, and note what exactly and for whom they are apologizing, and then change once and for all. Unfortunately, instead of changing, they are trying to fight by using the same tricks. I'll tell you what their fight is all about," said Mickoski.

He added that the opposition SDSM is fighting together with Ali Ahmeti and DUI and, he noted, it is clear as day.

"They are fighting to return to power and to continue as before. They are fighting to help Bulgaria checkmate Macedonia. They are fighting to please everyone except their own people. They are fighting to protect crime through their prosecutors and judges, who have not processed a single criminal charge against them. They are fighting for their luxuries, they are fighting for their luxurious homes, their stolen money and their pledged and blackmailed heads. That is what they are fighting for, and for nothing else. They are neither interested in the SDSM members, they are neither interested in the citizens of Macedonia. As for those from DUI, who are still blindly listening to Ali Ahmeti, they are least interested in the Albanians and other ethnic communities. They are only interested in them when they need to use them and when they need their votes, only to contribute to their emigration from the country with their inaction and corruption, just as they fraudulently want to trick Macedonians again, literally, using the same tricks," Mickoski said in Shtip.

He said that the Government's obligation is to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people.

"We are not interested in power, but in Macedonia and its interests. And we will persist in that," said Mickoski.

VMRO DPMNE leader Mickoski also mentioned global challenges, noting that Europe is facing economic turbulence, and the world is renegotiating its relations.

"The world is difficult to live in right now. Europe is also difficult to live in right now. And every citizen of our country who has gone there for a better life can tell you that. Our obligation is to create conditions for them to return, to create trust and a system that will work hand in hand, to create a country in which there will be order and there will be opportunities. But the difficult situation in the world is also an opportunity, countries that will build capacity at home will be the winners tomorrow. Countries that believe in themselves and that will have a clear plan, in these times, will manage to get what they deserve, and that is the deserved place. We want Macedonia to be one of those countries," said Mickoski.

At today's event to promote the mayoral candidates, VMRO DPMNE leader Mickoski said the new programs for the municipalities have been prepared by experts, based on the ideas of the citizens, with experience from the world and best practices.

"Each plan contains specific measures and projects. The government will provide financial support for key municipal priorities, from water supply and sewage systems, to schools, kindergartens, green zones, digital services, economic measures for development and growth," Mickoski said.

Photo: VMRO-DPMNE