Skopje, 9 May 2026 (MIA) - At an event marking May 9 – Victory over Fascism Day and Europe Day on Saturday, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski underscored the importance of ensuring the heroism of thousands of fighters who have laid down their lives for freedom to be forgotten or relativized.

“During the Second World War, the Macedonian people, together with their Albanian, Turkish, Roma, Serbia, Vlach, and Bosniak compatriots, stood on the right side of history. Thousands of fighters laid down their lives for the freedom we live in today. They did not only fight against the occupier, they fought for man’s right to live freely, to speak in his native tongue, to preserve his name and to believe in the future,” Prime Minister Mickoski said at the event held in front of the Government building in Skopje.

Mickoski stressed that freedom is not a gift; it is, he said, a choice, sacrifice, and responsibility.

“As a citizen and as a person who has a mandate to make decisions on processes, I won’t now, nor in the future, remain silent when it comes to the truth about our struggle and I will not stop valuing the contributions of our ancestors who fought for freedom. They were on the right side, the side of freedom, against fascism,” Mickoski said.

In his speech, Mickoski stressed the country has no alternative future and opportunity for success other than integration within the European Union. He highlighted the importance of being a voice of reason, stability, and unity, at a time when the language of hatred is once again being heard.

“We must communicate and make attempts, because that is the only way we can reach solutions. But not solutions that will leave great burdens to our descendants, instead lasting solutions that will allow us to move forward,” Mickoski said.  

Photo: MIA