Skopje, 19 July 2023 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski told Sloboden Pechat he isn’t optimistic that the constitutional amendments will happen, i.e., that VMRO-DPMNE will change its position and vote for them. He said he is convinced that the party sees a chance to come in power by opposing them and obstructing the country’s Euro-integration process. 

“I am one of the few, if not the only person from the current ruling structure, who says that based on the statements of the opposition at this time, it is clear that there is no two-third majority. I am not saying that talks are not being held with MPs, but from what I am seeing in the public, I can’t see that the attitude is changing in order to claim that the amendments will happen. It is imperative that they do, because if they don’t happen, then we will practically remain in a special subgroup with Bosnia and Kosovo. And, if we don’t change the Constitution by December 1, it is possible that Albania and Montenegro move ahead quickly towards Europe, while we block ourselves,” stressed the President.

Pendarovski said he believes that currently VMRO-DPMNE only cares about its rating and policy, and does not care about the country’s strategic interests.

“Even the laymen in politics know that once they come in power tomorrow, if they do come in power, they will not be able to change the negotiating framework. Because, that new negotiating framework would also have to be approved by Bulgaria, and you cannot change the bilateral agreement from 2017, because the other side needs to approve that as well,” said the President.

According to the President, it is unrealistic to expect a new negotiating framework.

“There won’t be a new negotiating framework, it’s simple. I would personally want a better negotiating framework. But it isn’t possible. This was the compromise,” said Pendarovski, adding that there is a huge difference between Bulgaria’s initial demands and the single condition now – to add the Bulgarian community to the Constitution.

According to Pendarovski, the country will not fall apart if the constitutional amendments aren’t adopted, but it would be unable to progress as it would if it is a part of the Euro-integrations, with all funds and advice necessary to prosper at its disposal.

“If we are left alone to reform by ourselves based on our knowledge and democratic conditions, we would take two to three times longer than if we are negotiating,” said Pendarovski.

Photo: MIA Archive