Skopje, 29 January 2026 (MIA) - President and Commander-in-Chief Gordana Siljanovska Davkova said Thursday she has signed the law amending the Criminal Code as a transitional solution, noting that some of the provisions had been on the verge of constitutionality and it was necessary to avoid creating a legal vacuum.

"I see these amendments as a legal phenomenon that we have not applied, meaning a transitional move, a temporary solution, which was directly linked to the interpretation of the Constitutional Court that it would move towards repeal, or annulment, which would have created a legal vacuum," the President added. 

She noted that she had certain remarks, but after detailed explanations from the proposers and the Government, she decided to sign the law. She told reporters that an additional reason for the decision to sign the law was that the opposition SDSM also voted in favour of the amendments and the number of votes was close to 80, i.e. a two-thirds majority.

"I've been mulling over, I have some comments on some solutions, but I expect this transition to be overcome in June at the latest," said Siljanovska Davkova.

According to her, although the amendments are not perfect, they represent an improvement compared to the 2023 amendments. The President mentioned as key amendments those related to the Safe City project, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as strict sanctions for traffic violations.

"The Safe City project will not work if it is not accompanied by solutions that include sanctioning all violations as part of the law on misdemeanours, there are criminal offences related to safety," she said.

As regards abuse of office and public procurement, Siljanovska Davkova said additional clarifications are needed.

The President added that she accepts the amendments solely as transitional, until a new Criminal Code is adopted.

"I will tolerate this only in anticipation of the new Criminal Code. It has been in preparation for a long time. It will be key in judicial reforms. I hope that it will be adopted as soon as possible," the President pointed out. 

Siljanovska Davkova underlined that she has signed the law only after requesting guarantees from the Government that the amendments would not delay the adoption of the new Criminal Code.

Photo: MIA