Skopje, 4 February 2025 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Tuesday election promises regarding the EU integration process are delivered and that he would fight for a better negotiating position, while adding that the dialogue with Sofia should be given a chance.

PM Mickoski was quizzed by reporters about the accusations coming from the opposition SDSM regarding the government's failure to deliver on the promise for a better negotiating framework with the EU. 

"I will fight and do everything to ensure a better negotiating position than the disastrous one I inherited from those who are criticizing today. However, I have never said I would do this in the first weeks or months. My term is four years. Citizens will have a say at the elections whether they are satisfied from my work as PM. We are carefully delivering on our promises and will continue to do so. The key promises on higher wages and pensions have been met, we are doing everything for farmers and we will fight to bring back everything they have stolen and sold. This is my commitment to the citizens and will continue to work on this together with the ministers," said Mickoski.

Regarding the fact that Bulgaria already has a stable political government and whether any communication has been initiated, the PM said there is nothing to report for the time being.

"We will share details once they are available. I believe the process should be given a chance. We will not hit our head against the wall at any cost or sign everything that is put on the table. You know our positions and policies, we have legitimacy from the people and we must listen to the people. Politicians who do not listen to the people don't end up well," said Mickoski.

On the statements by the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev that the joint observance of the Goce Delchev birth anniversary did not take place because the Macedonian authorities do not respect the Friendship Treaty, the PM said the Bulgarian government was the first to disrespect the treaty back in 2019.

"Instead of supporting us, the Bulgarian government vetoed the start of our accession negotiations. Nevertheless, if they want to honor the life and work of Macedonian great, ideologist and revolutionary Goce Delchev, they are welcome. This is a free and democratic country. I see no obstacles for all those who want to come and honor Delchev," said Mickoski.

MIA file photo