Skopje, 12 April 2024 (MIA) - I ask all of you to mobilize on April 24 so that we show in the first round that we are a normal, progressive and European Macedonia, a country of all people, not a captured state, a country of a few people, one person or one family. We will seal victory on May 8, not for us, for me, for the future PM, MP or minister, but for all children and future generations, because we deserve to join the European family after 33 years of a long and tiresome transition, said SDSM presidential candidate Stevo Pendarovski in the Skopje municipality of Center on Friday evening.

Pendarovski said there is no Plan B, only Plan A when it came to the constitutional changes, "which must pass if we want to join the EU."

He referred to a debate with other presidential candidates, saying he would attend wherever it may take place, except for the Macedonian Radio Television (MRTV).

"I was the first to offer a debate with all candidates and did not make a selection who should come. I will take part in every debate that is attended by all seven candidates, wherever it may take place, except for MRTV. First, they should clear up the recent affair involving documents that show the HQ of the largest opposition party had organized a center for production of fake news and political propaganda, and then you can call us for a debate," said Pendarovski.

According to him, these elections find the country at a crossroad again - whether 'Gruevism' will be restored or will it be led by people that have the interests of the citizens and the state in their focus.

Pendarovski also referred to the benefits that the incumbent authorities have brought - NATO membership and start of EU accession negotiations, while promising that the country would join the Union by the end of the decade, as Macedonians with integrity.

SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski said the elections represent a choice between hope and hopelessness, progress or return to the past.

"I know that citizens will make the right decision for the country. They want and deserve a European standard at home, here in the country. We have the will, the knowledge and the team to deliver results," said Kovachevski.

According to him, a vote for Pendarovski and the Coalition for European Future is a vote for European Macedonia.

"Together with President Stevo Pendarovski, we have a vision and a plan how to bring Macedonia into the EU. We are committed, have the will, the courage and the knowledge to secure the country's European future, for current generations and those to come," said Kovachevski.

Earlier in the day, Pendarovski also met with citizens in the municipalities of Ilinden, Petrovec and Karposh.

Photo: MIA and SDSM