Ohrid, 19 April 2024 (MIA) — SDSM's main focus remains EU membership because it is the only chance for Macedonia to change for the better; no other option exists, SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski said at a Coalition for a European Future election campaign rally in Ohrid on Friday evening.

"In European Macedonia, the standard of living will be much better. In European Macedonia, we will manage to build a system of rule of law and an effective fight against crime and corruption," Kovachevski said, adding that this was not easy.

However, he continued, "SDSM has shown it has the courage to make difficult, but important and necessary decisions. Is there any better proof than the fact that Macedonia has become an equal member of NATO? Is there a better proof than the fact that Macedonia has started negotiations with the EU?"

Kovachevski said the SDSM-led Coalition for a European Future and President Stevo Pendarovski offered a clear plan for a European standard of living, a prosperous and developed state with functional democracy, rule of law, social justice and freedom of media and expression.

"There is no stopping until we make Macedonia a part of Europe. There is no giving up until we bring Europe to Macedonia. There is no giving up on the future. The choice is clear: Victorious European Macedonia," Kovachevski told Ohrid citizens.

The SDSM leader recalled that many good things had been done in the past seven years, with some ups and downs along the way, but at no point did he give up, he said.

"Much like with Covid and the energy crisis: We have been with citizens the entire time," he said, listing anti-crisis measures worth EUR 2.6 billion and 80,000 jobs saved among the most significant achievements.

"We promised an average salary of EUR 500, but we exceeded that threshold and today it is EUR 650," he continued.

"We have tripled the minimum wage from Mden 8,000 to 22,500. We raised pensions by 55 percent. Allocated EUR 100,000,000 to support Macedonian companies."

"Five thousand new young people got jobs in Macedonian companies supported by the Macedonian government," Kovachevski said, adding that these were the results of social democratic policies aimed at helping citizens and the state.

He said he was aware that he and his team were not perfect in their work, and that there were a number of omissions and mistakes.

"Yes, we should have done more and better. I am aware of the mistakes, but I think that is exactly my greatest asset. I know where we were wrong and I give you my word that we will make it right," he said, adding that if he was prime minister again, he would guarantee an average salary of EUR 1,100 and a minimum salary of EUR 600.

"We promise a dramatic increase in medical workers' salaries: up to Mden 180,000 for specialists, Mden 120,000 for general doctors; and up to Mden 90,000 for nurses – and free healthcare for citizens," Kovachevski said, stressing that the funds for this would be provided through pruning non-productive expenses from management and supervisory boards, deputies, and assistant directors.

He also announced a more effective, resolute, final fight against corruption, pointing out that SDSM's election platform was realistic and sustainable. 

Regarding the call of the leader of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE for a national moratorium, Kovachevski said that instead of national unity for a moratorium, Macedonia needed national unity to rush towards the future, i.e., move forward on its European path.

Ohrid MP candidates Leonora Novevska and Zhaklina Lazarevska presented parts of the platform related to helping young people and preserving and developing Ohrid.

"Only when SDSM is the central government, only then are funds allocated for Ohrid. That's how it is," Lazarevska said. mr/