Skopje, 4 May 2026 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said that in relations and negotiations with Bulgaria, the government will remain firmly committed to what constitutes the core of the Macedonian identity, stating that this is a red line and that no concessions will be made. He does not expect the narrative from Bulgarian side to change, despite announcements about the formation of a stable government, as long as, as he said, there are political and social structures in the country that are ready to kneel before the Bulgarian authorities.

“In the 21st century, the identity of the Macedonian great figure Goce Delchev is still being denied. In the 21st century, the Macedonian people continue to face challenges they should not be facing. Unfortunately, instead of fighting for a shared and better future, we are still opening issues from the past and some of these issues, sadly, have their roots in the Middle Ages,” Mickoski said Monday in response to journalists’ questions after the memorial service marking the 123rd anniversary of Goce Delchev’s death.

Although a stable government is expected in Bulgaria after a long period, Mickoski does not expect the Bulgarian narrative regarding Macedonia to change.

“In my personal view, I do not expect the atmosphere to change at all. On the contrary, I believe it will intensify, because there are still political and social structures in our country willing, as he put it, to kneel before the Bulgarian authorities and serve as the soft tissue of Macedonian foreign policy. As long as such structures exist, I do not expect any change in the position of our eastern neighbour,” Mickoski said.

He emphasized that the government is still ready for dialogue, but it must be based on arguments.

“As a government, we are always ready for bilateral talks, to present and confront our arguments, and of course, we are prepared to accept the arguments that prevail, just as we expect the other side to accept them,” Mickoski said.

Photo: MIA