Skopje, 7 January 2023 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski reiterated Saturday that the party wants early elections, expecting the Parliament to dissolve by the end of January or the beginning of February, followed by a caretaker government and elections in late May.

Mickoski said “a large majority of SDSM and DUI lawmakers” reflect this position but stopped short of mentioning names.

“We absolutely reaffirm our demand for early elections so that the country can move forward. Let’s unite and hold these elections in mid or late May. I would not mention any names, considering the character of DUI and SDSM, the obstructed judiciary and prosecution and methods they are prepared to use in order to keep their posts. I believe we will persevere and the Parliament will vote to dissolve by the end of January or the beginning of February at the latest, followed by a caretaker government in mid-February and elections in the second half of May,” Mickoski told reporters.

He added that the constitutional changes amounted to treason.

“This is not unity, this is treason and someone should have thought about this before agreeing on it. We did not come out at elections saying the Constitution would be revised, that we would capitulate or commit treason. The ones who signed this should have known there are no conditions to deliver it. This is a moment that brings division among the Macedonian people. But people are wise and if one looks at the recent opinion polls, more than three-quarters oppose this act. Let’s unite around sincerity towards the people, and this requires early elections,’ said Mickoski.

He extended Christmas greetings to all Orthodox Christians, wishing them peace, love, health, joy and mutual respect.

“These are days when we must unite, regardless of our political differences. We need this because we are a small nation, a small country. We can achieve our goal only if we respect each other, so that young people stay here and the country develops as a modern European state, loved by all citizens,” said Mickoski.