Skopje, 12 April 2023 (MIA) – Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said Wednesday that the statement made by VMRO-DPMNE Vice President Aleksandar Nikoloski on the Contract for the construction of corridors VIII and X-d with the Bechtel-Enka consortium is a simple lie.

Kovachevski once again called on the governments of the United States and Türkiye to state whether someone from North Macedonia requested something from them or their companies, during the preparation of the project in the past two years.

The PM said VMRO-DPMNE has once again confirmed that the only thing it knows how to do is spread hysteria, lie and obstruct Parliament.

“What the Vice President of VMRO-DPMNE said is a simple lie and spreading falsehoods, just like his colleagues and his leader, who does nothing all day but make threats. The contract with Bechtel-Enka was publicly signed on the basis of a special Law, approved in Parliament by all MPs. It has passed all legal procedures. The contract is over 400 pages long, and it defines the conditions for the construction of the motorway. There are also amendments of several laws in order to provide conditions for a faster construction of the two sections. The intention is to build a modern motorway in five years, at a sum appropriate for such a project. The MPs had an opportunity to approve all provisions in line with the procedures. All other provisions in the law are in line with the special law which was adopted,” said Kovachevski.

Regarding the alleged increase of the working week from 40 to 60 hours, the PM reiterated that this is an amendment that only refers to this strategic project and the intention is that every worker who voluntarily wishes to work longer, will be allowed to do so and be paid extra.

“This will allow for more money to remain in the country, the construction of the corridors will accelerate, and the total cost of the project will decrease. It is up to the MPs to review this,” said Kovachevski.

The PM said that the Minister of Transport and Communications and the President of the Managing Committee on corridors VIII and X-d will hold a media briefing on Wednesday, informing the media of the details and answering any questions they might have about the project.

“VMRO-DPMNE has not participated in the making of a single statesmanlike decision of the country –NATO membership, the Agreement with Greece, beginning of EU negotiations with a safeguarded Macedonian language and identity, the European proposal, the Frontex Agreement,” PM Kovachevski underlined.