Skopje, 29 October 2024 (MIA) - A sustainable, innovative, and competitive economy, sustainable local and regional development that ensures cohesion, demographic revitalization, social and cultural development, a secure, safe, and resilient society, green transformation, the rule of law, and good governance are the six key areas of the National Development Strategy (NDS) for the period 2024-2044, which was adopted Tuesday afternoon by the Parliament with 70 votes in favor, one against, and no abstentions.

The strategy, as stated, is a leading document that defines the main national development goals, strategic areas, and priorities for accelerated, inclusive, balanced, gender-equal, and sustainable development of the Republic of North Macedonia. It was adopted through political consensus and an inclusive process involving the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), the government, the Parliament, the academic community, experts and civil and business sectors as well as political parties.

While the MPs from VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM fully supported the adoption of the Strategy, Blerim Bexheti from DUI requested its withdrawal and revisions, citing the decent developments concerning the Constitutional Court. On the other hand, Rexhep Ismaili from Levica party stated that NDS is historically misguided, methodologically incorrect and ideologically lost.

"The NDS is a key strategic document that defines the vision for the development of the Republic of North Macedonia, which fundamentally rests on three basic development goals: Strengthening the competitiveness of the economy through a functional and innovative ecosystem, enhancing the skills, knowledge, inclusion, and resilience of citizens; governance models that are open, accountable, comprehensive, and resilient, capable of preventing and responding appropriately, fostering prosperity for all social groups; and social inclusion, which entails improved social, health, and educational services aimed at providing benefits for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Ana Lashkoska, while explaining the text.

MPs at the session also adopted the Program for the Implementation of the National Development Strategy for the period 2024-2028.

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