Skopje, 4 February 2025 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expects that most of the candidates for mayors of the VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition will be unveiled by the end of May or the beginning of June.

"All those who believe they can add value can apply and be included in the coalition's internal polls. Once we get the results, we will unveil the names to the public," PM Mickoski told a joint press conference with Minister of Local Self-Government Zlatko Perinski.

Asked if and where would VMRO-DPMNE support the Worth It coalition candidates at the coming local elections, the PM said there is no final decision and discussions with coalition partners will take place in the coming seven months, adding "it would be natural if cooperation at the central level is reflected locally as well".

"It would be dishonest to employ a policy of double standards - have a joint platform as a government and support another platform or policy in local terms," added Mickoski. 

Minister Perinski said he has told PM Mickoski and also the public about his ambition to be a candidate for Skopje mayor, noting that the process within the party is a "crystal-clear way to produce the most appropriate solution".

"It is certain that the candidate will also be the election winner. I believe I am up to the challenge because I have a vision of how to finally make Skopje a European metropolis. Nevertheless, I leave the decision to the president and the party's executive bodies. Whoever the candidate, he or she will be unanimously supported by all of us," said Perinski.

MIA file photo