The former rulers of the Republic of North Macedonia changed the name, the flag and accepted the shameful, in his words, agreement with Bulgaria, placing the country in a subordinate role. This was stated by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, quoted by BGNES and News.bg. According to him, there is no way to escape the truth laid out in the European Parliament report, which affirms the unique Macedonian identity.
Mickoski emphasized that the time when the country was ruled by “criminals and clans“ is over, referring to the era of former Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. According to him, VMRO-DPMNE will achieve a convincing victory in the upcoming local elections and will show that “Macedonia's time is coming“, and the period of “destruction, negligence and betrayal of national interests“ is over.
“The opposition boasts that it has laid the foundations of the state. But what foundations? The ones with which you robbed and devastated Macedonia during the transition? Or the ones with which you changed the name and flag, accepting an agreement with Bulgaria, which placed us in a subordinate role?“ - the prime minister asked rhetorically.
Mickoski claims that the former SDSM rulers are scared because the new government has restored the country's authority on the international stage:
“Today we are telling our story about Macedonia in Munich, we are winning in Berlin, London, Brussels and Washington. They know what nails they drove into the hands of the Macedonian identity. And we are returning it - with struggle, dignity and faith in the future.“
The Prime Minister also commented on the postponement of the vote in the EP Foreign Affairs Committee on the progress report on North Macedonia. According to him, despite the temporary withdrawal of the document by its author - MEP Thomas Weitz - under pressure from Bulgarian MEPs, its adoption is inevitable:
“The report will be adopted because the whole of Europe recognizes our centuries-old and unique identity.“
In economic terms, Mickoski pointed out that the country has made significant progress - from last place in Europe in foreign investments to a leading position with over 1.2 billion euros. GDP is growing by 3.2%, and inflation has been brought under control to 2.7% in March. Workers' salaries are growing by 9-10% annually, and industrial production recorded a growth of 5.2% in March.
“Today there are no private tenders, there is responsibility. The Kichevo-Ohrid highway is being built and will be completed. Macedonia belongs to the people again“, concluded the Prime Minister.