Skopje, 1 February 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expects the number of traffic violations to drop with the Safe City project, which was officially launched on Sunday as the trial period ended. He noted that the speed camera tolerance thresholds have been increased, however as drivers get used to the new rules, the European criteria will be back in place. 

"We increased the speed camera tolerance thresholds, i.e. a tolerance of 6 km/h is allowed for speed of up to 50 km/h, 9 km/h is allowed for 50 km/h – 100 km/h speed, and 12 km/h is allowed for speed over 100 km/h. The tolerance threshold has increased, but as drivers get used to the new rules, we will return to the European criteria. The point is not to penalize citizens, but to prevent traffic accidents and fatalities. I expect a sharp reduction in the number of violations and fines," Mickoski said in response to reporters' questions after Sunday's event to mark the start of construction works on the "Macedonia" Boulevard in Skopje. 

As regards the latest research by the Institute for Democracy, the PM said the country's integration in the EU has never been questioned, despite all the sacrifices made by the citizens and the humiliation and broken expectations by individuals in Brussels.

"The citizens of Macedonia are pro-European, they are even more European oriented than some other EU member states, and no one should have any doubts about that," said Mickoski.

He said it was good that support for EU membership is growing, adding that he personally expected the percentage to be 90.

"This means that we are working to create a perception to increase the percentage among citizens, and we will continue to work like that. What is the problem, then? When all those who ask whether citizens are in favour of EU integration on the condition that we change the Constitution now, and there's still uncertainty, then the answer is the opposite, that is when 71 percent are against. Citizens are tired of being betrayed and tired of all the expectations, even though they have done what no other citizen of an EU member state has done. These citizens have long deserved their place in the EU and I hope that the EU, together with us, will find a way to guarantee that there will be no more bilateral vetoes. I am convinced that we are much more prepared than the aspiring countries in the European Union," Mickoski pointed out. 

If we are to change the Constitution for a certain group in our society to be a constituent part of the state, then, Mickoski noted, our Macedonian community in those states should at least have basic human rights - to be able to form non-governmental organizations.

PM Mickoski remains committed for now to regular parliamentary elections in 2028, rather than early elections.

"If you ask me today, I have no such intention," said Mickoski, commenting on an interview with the leader of the opposition SDSM who said that the Government will not last until 2028.

Photo: MIA