Skopje, 12 December 2021 (MIA) – SDSM is the winner tonight. The party has taught another lesson on democracy. Now we celebrate the success of elections, but tomorrow we’ll have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We’re responsible for everything that happens in the party, but also in the country, Dimitar Kovachevski said on Sunday evening, after being elected as the new leader of SDSM.

He underlined that the country progresses when SDSM is strong and has a clear agenda.

“That’s why we need a strong and united party, with clear goals and energy to achieve them. We’re the pillar of the progressive portion of society and citizens rightly expect us to be committed and responsible. Promises end tonight, their realization starts tomorrow. We have a lot of work to do, trying to restore the trust of citizens and party members,” Kovachevski underlined.

He thanked his predecessor, Zoran Zaev, for winning several important victories, as well as for inspiring everyone with his courage.

“Zaev consolidated the party in difficult times, he restored freedom and democracy, toppled Gruevski’s regime, established a one society for all, had the country join NATO and led it to EU’s gates. He taught us what leadership means and entrusted us with continuing down the path of democratic development and we won’t stray from it,” Kovachevski noted.

SDSM’s new leader also discussed his program.

“We must restore unity within the party, retain social and democratic values and base state policies on them. We’ll need the best people to do this. We have to give a fair chance to all professionals – let’s open the party to new members who will introduce a new mentality in running the country and institutions. Let’s work together and lead the country based on social and democratic principles,” he said.

In regard to his position on the dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, in case he gets the mandate to form a new government, Kovachevski underlined that talks are currently underway between the two countries, based on European values.

“We’ll carry on in that spirit. After four consecutive positive reports from the European Commission, it’s time for the EU to set a date for the first intergovernmental conference and starting talks,” he noted.

In regard to the government reshuffle, he said he’s waiting on decisions from the party’s central board.

“Talks are underway over certain positions. Proposing ministers is done by party bodies,” Kovachevski highlighted.

He added that members who best represent SDSM’s program aims will be assigned to top posts within the party.