Skopje, 29 May 2023 (MIA) - President Stevo Pendarovski said Monday he has signed the decrees on the five laws related to the construction of Corridors VIII and Xd, whereas all parties concerned are entitled to file an initiative over their constitutionality, including on the most contested amendments to the Law on labor Relations.

President Pendarovski told a press conference that upon consultations with experts, it has been determined that the amendments to the Law on Labor Relations do not include the provision that was challenged by the Constitutional Court when the Bechtel-Enka lex specialis was signed last year, which read "the working hours of each worker can be at an average of 60 hours per week during the year."

"I had a series of consultations with experts in the field of labor law, former Constitutional Court judges and advisers in my Office, and upon summing up the various opinions, I decided to sign the decrees for the five laws. Nevertheless, considering the objections by some unions, civil society organizations in this field, and certain political parties, each party concerned is entitled to file an initiative for assessment of the constitutionality of every law. The Constitutional Court is the only institution that has the final say regarding the constitutionality of laws and has the mechanisms in place to swiftly and efficiently pass a decision," said Pendarovski.

He added that there has been a legitimate debate regarding the contents of the laws.

"While not challenging the legitimate right for a comprehensive debate on every law, let me say that the debate by a small number of entities was used to heighten the already high polarization in our society, thus shifting the focus from the real issues related to these laws. Namely, instead of having a discussion on the benefits and the possible risks of the project, the public debate turned into a discussion about our strategic Euro-Atlantic orientation and aspiration," said Pendarovski.

Last Friday, the Parliament adopted the amendments to the laws on labor relations, expropriation, building, urban planning and nominating a strategic partner for implementation of the project of construction of Corridors VIII and Xd in expedited procedure.

Photo: MIA screenshot