Skopje, 29 April 2026 (MIA) – Ministry of Justice said the fourth session of the working group on electoral legislation reforms was postponed because of the absence of SDSM MPs, a process directly linked to the credibility of elections and public trust.

Justice Minister Igor Filkov said that political parties had submitted additional remarks and comments on the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR. Also on the table were proposals from institutions involved in the electoral process, with which the Ministry of Justice has held constructive meetings in the past period – the State Election Commission, the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, the Agency for Administration, and independent civic initiatives.

“But what was missing today was precisely what is most needed – political maturity. We cannot talk about fair and democratic elections while at the same time refusing to participate in the process meant to ensure those standards. Democracy implies dialogue, compromise and shared responsibility. Today, we had the opportunity to see the true face of what is, unfortunately, a lost political party which, through a series of wrong moves driven by narrow party interests, is deliberately blocking the reform agenda and hindering the country’s European progress. SDSM chose not to be part of the process at a time when crucial decisions are being made. This is proof that their commitments to a European future are merely declarative, while the reality is quite the opposite,” the Justice Minister said.

Filkov, the press release said, pointed out that this is not the first time SDSM has acted in this manner.

“In Parliament, they also blocked the key reform Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office, even though some of their amendments had been accepted. With such, I would say, deeply shameful and irresponsible policies, reforms are being held hostage to narrow party interests, while the European future of our citizens is being left uncertain. SDSM’s irresponsible conduct so far and its non-participation in the working group on electoral legislation reforms directly put at risk €4,281,623. In addition, the blockade of the Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Parliament puts a further €6,422,623 at risk – funds that could significantly facilitate the reform process and improve the state of the judiciary for all citizens,” Filkov noted.

He said the Government remains committed to continuing work on the country’s reforms until the ultimate goal is achieved – ensuring stability, prosperity and the rule of law.

Photo: Ministry of Justice