Skopje, 25 March 2026 (MIA) — Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said in a TV appearance Tuesday evening that officials in his government may be replaced if they do not improve their performance and work ethic.

In an interview with TV Alfa, Mickoski said the government was working around the clock to tackle a difficult national situation but he had "reservations" about the commitment of some individuals within the government and state institutions.

He noted he had been honest about the country's challenges. 

"We are not miracle workers to promise miracles. I have said this publicly at rallies," he said, adding that "anyone promising miracles" was not telling the truth.

"But rest assured we will do our best. I wake up and go to sleep with one thought: 'Are we doing our best? Is everyone doing their best?'"

"I have admonished those I feel can give more," Mickoski said. 

He said the current generation had no room for "improvisations or repeat performances" and needed to deliver results to stabilize the country.

Calling for an "offensive" approach to governance, the prime minister said officials should replace their standard 40-hour week with working 12 to 14 hours a day, seven days a week.

"This is the way this government needs to work," he said.

Mickoski also warned against arrogance, stressing that officials needed to remain accessible to the public.

"When people see you leave your heart on the field, they will forgive you anything," he said. 

"They will say, 'They are trying, hats off to them.' 

"If they see you behave arrogantly, if you don't respond to their messages, no matter how much hassle those messages are to you, no matter how meaningless those messages are to you, if you don't reply to their messages, if don't pay any attention to them, if you don't say Hello, if you don't shake hands on the street, they will never forgive that," Mickoski said.

Asked about the upcoming reshuffle, the prime minister confirmed he was concerned not only by government members but also some leaders of state institutions who he said "are not investing enough effort or are behaving inappropriately regarding their duties." mr/