Skopje, 30 May 2024 (MIA) - We will be a coalition partner that does not act as a 'pendant' in the coalition, but rather builds strong partnership relations with our future coalition partners. The moment we feel that our voice is not being heard, we will not remain part of the Government, ZNAM Movement leader Maksim Dimitrievski said Thursday evening.

In an interview with Kanal 5 TV, Dimitrievski, when asked about the talks with VMRO-DPMNE regarding a government coalition, pointed out that these discussions are about the basic principles of functioning and aligning ideological differences.

"We are discussing based on the platform we offered, which they have fully accepted. It is much less important how the implementation of power will be divided in terms of the number of ministries each will take; what is much more important is what we will fundamentally deliver to the citizens. Today, we are where we are, a step away from entering the Government," said Dimitrievski.

He confirmed that they are discussing the distribution of ministries, emphasizing that ZNAM Movement is ready to contribute its capacity and personnel to a large number of ministries in the state and to contribute to serious reforms and stabilization. He noted that they have the capacity to lead the Ministry of Justice, but everything will depend on the final agreement.

He believes that if ZNAM Movement receives full support to manage this sector, they will successfully implement serious reforms in the area of an independent judiciary.

Dimitrievski on Gashi's statement: I believe it is a protocol oversight; I don't want to believe it was conscious and intentional.

When asked about the fact that the Speaker of the Parliament, Afrim Gashi, took the ceremonial oath first in Albanian, Dimitrievski responded that he believes it was a mistake, a protocol oversight, and an error by the staff.

"The new Parliament Speaker made a mistake, but I sincerely believe it was a protocol oversight and an error by the staff. I don't want to believe it was done consciously and intentionally because if he enters with such intent and narrative, it will only lead us back to familiar times. I think we shouldn't play into that and frustrate Macedonian citizens. I believe the era of 'duization,' which has been portrayed in the public as the 'Albanization' of Macedonia, should be behind us," said Dimitrievski.

Dimitrievski on the April 27 events: I forgive the people; those who organized and logistically supported the event should be held accountable.

Asked whether he believes that those convicted for the events of April 27th should be pardoned, Dimitrievski said that essentially those who harmed people, those who inflicted serious bodily injuries on individuals in the Parliament, but also those who organized and logistically supported the event, should be held accountable.