Skopje, 29 September 2025 (MIA) - These elections are not just local elections but a decision on what kind of Macedonia we want, what kind of country we want to build and what message we send to those who want to destroy instead of build. I know we will win this fight, Macedonia will win, VMRO-DPMNE leader and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told a rally in Skopje on Monday.

"We go together towards victory, because these elections decide what kind of Macedonia will win. There are those who live off the homeland, while we - the people - live for the homeland. This small group that entered all those immoral coalitions is prepared to do everything to come to power, but tonight, all of them and their servants, who want to keep Macedonia humiliated and on its knees, get their answer. This answer is you - the people of Macedonia. Don't be fooled that these are just local elections, this is the final battle of what kind of country we want. These elections send a message to those who want top destroy instead of build, put up a show instead of protect. We knocked them down from power but we now have to retire them. When I see the number of people here, it is clear - we will win. We will win together. Macedonia will win," said Mickoski.

He also referred to the resolution put forward by SDSM leader Venko Filipche.

"Have you asked yourself why is he now talking about red lines, when he was the one assuring us that the French proposal is the best there is? And now he is saying this is the most patriotic document ever made. For God's sake, the time has come for SDSM to speak about patriotism - believe it or not. And what is the option? No EU negotiations if we fail to incorporate the Bulgarians in the Constitution? It is clear this is yet another courting by SDSM to the Bulgarians, at the expense of Macedonia. I will not allow this to happen at any cost. As long as I am PM, there is only one red line: the Macedonian national interests," said Mickoski.

The VMRO-DPMNE leader also spoke about the judiciary, voicing his dissatisfaction from the system that has become "the stronghold of injustice in the country".

"Let me announce that after these elections, there will be no political correctness or legal tolerance for the structures that operate as 'deep state' in defense of crime. Reforms will follow because justice cannot wait any longer or function in two parallel, unequal Macedonias. The time for justice is coming, justice of the people, one it deserves," said Mickoski.

I am aware, he added, about the people's expectations, the inherited problems and disappointments, the hard life, but I believe that real change is coming slowly but surely.

"Real change does not come as lightning but as sunrise - quietly yet surely. This is an investment for your street, your kindergarten, your school, your park. This is a choice of standing tall and moving forward or allowing to go backwards - where hope was lost and trust was broken. That is why you decide to have your own mayor, a person who does not let you down, a man who has proved himself, a person you can rely on," said Mickoski.

The VMRO-DPMNE leader underlined this is not only a political change but a life-changing choice, one of hope and common future.

"Orce Gjorgjievski will have a difficult task to improve things in the capital. People are fed up with squabbling and daily politics, and that is why Skopje will, for the first time, get a person first and then a mayor," said Mickoski.

Photo: MIA