Skopje, 28 November 2023 (MIA) – Leaders’ meeting is set to take place in the Parliament to discuss the date for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski announced Tuesday that the meeting will involve leaders and follow a format similar to the previous gathering of parliamentary parties, without specifying the exact date of the meeting.

"The elections will be held in the regular term, both the presidential and parliamentary elections. The exact timing depends on the deadlines, and that's why I said that May offers the opportunity for both presidential and parliamentary elections to take place. This was affirmed by a series of other party leaders and the Parliament Speaker, who is responsible for the deadlines. Consequently, when that meeting concludes in line with the opinions of all political parties, since the decision is reached through broad political consensus, it can be announced," Kovachevski said.

Prime Minister Kovachevski stated that there is no willingness among all political parties to abolish the caretaker government, considering the short timeframe until the elections.

“According to the coalition agreement between SDSM and DUI from 2020, validated by the government's formation, the prime minister should come from the ranks of the Albanian ethnic community. This aligns with our constitution and laws. However, it is too early to discuss personnel decisions at this point,” Kovachevski noted.

When asked if Fatmir Bytyqi could be caretaker prime minister, Kovachevski expressed a very high opinion of him. However, he stressed the importance of considering this within the context of a coalition agreement.

Asked about a joint presidential candidate and joint lists for MPs, PM Kovachevski stated that it has been confirmed that in our country, there are parties advocating for EU accession and the country's integration into NATO. On the other hand, as he mentioned, 'now we officially have another block of political parties - VMRO-DPMNE and Levica - which are against the country's accession to the European Union and against NATO.'

With regard to filling the vacant position in the State Election Commission, Kovachevski is optimistic that the parties will come to an agreement, and this process will be completed in the upcoming period before the elections are announced.

In terms of constitutional amendments, Kovachevski stated that these are some of the obligations that we have.

"The EU has fulfilled its obligations," Kovachevski said, pointing to identity issues.

He underscored that North Macedonia has the progressive capacity to take the next step towards opening clusters and chapters and to proceed with the next steps towards full membership.

Photo: MIA archive