Skopje, 28 January 2025 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Tuesday reiterated his position over constitutional changes in the context of continuing negotiations with the European Union, pointing out that a dignified solution is being sought, i.e. constitutional amendments with delayed effect.

Asked to comment on a statement by 'Worth It' coalition partner, the Health Minister Arben Taravari, Mickoski said he was not against the construction of Corridor VIII, however he was against the Prespa Agreement.  

"We can talk about constitutional amendments, but we can also talk about other things that we demand, which are part of VMRO-DPMNE's election program that was backed by more than half a million citizens. I do not intend to back down even a millimetre from what I have said, I am saying it now and I will keep saying it in the future. We seek a solution, a dignified solution. We have a dignified solution on the table, i.e. constitutional amendments with delayed effect, let's talk," Mickoski told Tuesday's press conference at the Government.

Mickoski said he had not opposed the construction of Corridor VIII, however he added that he was against the signing of the Prespa Agreement with the Republic of Greece. In response to a reporter's question over Minister Taravari's statement that the PM would accept the constitutional changes just like he had accepted the Prespa Agreement and the construction of Corridor VIII, Mickoski said he doubts the statement was given in such a context.

"I don't think it was said as you are quoting it. I wasn't against Corridor VIII, but it's true that I was against the Prespa Agreement. And yes, it's true, after MPs were forced to vote for the constitutional amendments. And after all that became a reality, 4-5 years ago, while in opposition, I said we can't ignore reality, but I was never against Corridor VIII. What you're quoting wasn't said like that by Taravari," Mickoski said, adding that he categorically denies it was said like that. 

Photo: MIA archive