Skopje, 3 June 2023 (MIA) - Minister of Interior, Oliver Spasovski, in an interview for Belgrade-based "Politika" pointed out that the prosperity of the citizens depends on the fulfillment of the country’s obligations, which include the constitutional amendments. According to him, this is a step for the country’s future, and during this period, every effort must be made to reach a consensus over the amendments through parliamentary dialogue.

The Interior Minister said it is hypocritical to only declare that we want to be in the EU without taking political responsibility for it. 

“The opposition shows indecisiveness and a lack of vision, it must adjust to the European conditions and re-examine its actions in a self-critical manner. Although the inclusion of the Bulgarians within the Constitution is a thorn in the side, I see it as an added value for us - to finally bury the long-standing thesis that we are one nation with them,” stressed Spasovski.

Asked how much the state has done in terms of the fight against corruption, Spasovski said that no one is protected by the law anymore.

“No one is protected by law anymore, not even the officials of the current Government. In 2021, 50 percent more crimes related to corruption were detected and corrupt activities of around Mden 149 million were prevented, while in 2022, 124 corrupt acts were detected for which 164 perpetrators were criminally charged. This is proof that not only the institutions help the fight against corruption, but also the public awareness of the citizens, who have more trust in the police,” says Spasovski.

Regarding the question of how much UN and NATO membership, as well as the strategic partnership with the United States mean for North Macedonia in terms of preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, Spasovski emphasized that as a result of these partnerships and brave, statesmanlike decisions, the country has protected its national identity, while as a result of a functional policy of dialogue and understanding, the country has become a factor of stability in the Western Balkans.

“I am convinced that we will be able to guarantee the security and stability of the territorial integrity of the country, at the regional level, only by completing the Euro-Atlantic integration of the region and its democratic transformation,” said Spasovski.

Photo: MIA Archive