Skopje, 8 September 2024 (MIA) — Our battle then was to get back on our feet, and today our battle is to take strides forward, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said in his speech at the official celebration of September 8, Independence Day, held at the Philharmonic under the slogan "Together We Fight, Together We'll Triumph."

At the celebration organized by the Government, PM Mickoski said the national holiday was a reminder of the nation's long journey to freedom.

"Today we are facing a new battle, just as important as creating our homeland. Back then, there was enthusiasm, great energy and approval for the referendum. Thirty-three years later, many things have changed, and we are all more experienced. Many defeats, omissions, system failures," Mickoski said.

Even after decades of disappointments, he said, this battle should not stop. "The answer is: 'No way.' It's not an option. Because there still is patriotism today, and this generation today needs to win the battle. Our patriotism is the same, but the goals and the things we have to overcome are different," the PM said.

Mickoski said the country needed to overcome the disappointment from past failures and to suppress crime and corruption that had metastasized in all parts of society. 

"I will fight with every atom to prove that we are different than before and that we are changing things," he added. 

The celebration began with a performance of the Macedonian national anthem by a children's choir. It also featured a premiere showing of a new video rendition of Blazhe Koneski's "Embroideress" poem and a concert of the National Jazz Orchestra performing works by Macedonian authors.

Also screened at the Independence Day celebration was archival footage from the country's 1991 referendum and celebration of independence. mr/