Skopje, 5 November 2025 (MIA) - SDSM leader Venko Filipche said at a press conference Wednesday he would need more time to consolidate the party following the results from the runoff of the local elections and the resignations submitted by members of the party’s leadership.

“I announced changes in the leadership, policies etc. Our ideological foundation and policies remain the same. We’ve been working on the program for a longer period. It covers multiple sectors in line with our values. It will be presented to the public in the coming period. We are also working on expanding the opposition platform, not only for political stakeholders but also for many other civil organizations because I believe we are the only political force capable of matching and confronting VMRO-DPMNE,” Filipche said.

Filipche noted one of the lessons the party learned at the local elections is that they need a broader and stronger front to challenge the ruling party.

The SDSM leader said he is following the negative reactions on social media and believes they are a result of unfulfilled expectations.

“Everyone is needed in the party. Through numerous conversations, I will find the best people who will be a part of the team in the coming period. I promised this would happen this week, however more time will be needed. I don’t want this process to be rushed,” Filipche said.

Asked about amendments to the Electoral Code, Filipche said all parties should come together and adopt amendments through consensus, noting that SDSM is ready to discuss any issue.  

“Our position will be that we are entering that discussion to talk about open lists,” Filipche said.

Regarding Levica’s position that the party should have a seat in the State Election Commission after the results in the local elections, the SDSM leader said an analysis should be conducted to determine on what grounds Levica leader Dimitar Apasiev bases that claim.

Filipche also stressed that SDSM’s parliamentary group is united.

Photo: MIA