Ohrid, 27 September 2021 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE and the political parties of the Renewal of Macedonia coalition started its election campaign ahead of the October 17 local elections at a rally in Ohrid by presenting the mayoral candidate. VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski told party members and supporters, gathered at the Ohrid Antique Theater, that “the people in the upcoming elections with dignity will show the government that they won’t allow to be fooled ever again.” To vote for the ruling majority, he said, is to allow in the future the country to function amid “deepened corruption, chaos, non-functioning system, lack of accountability, no justice, social and economic issues, experiments in education, inhumane treatment of farmers.” “Changes are necessary in the behavior of everyone in the country and it is necessary to create a different, better future for everyone. A future of development, prosperity, progress, better life, a future of changes, projects and victories,” the opposition leader stressed, urging voters “to make the right decision.” At the Ohrid rally, Mickoski pledged a total of 14,835 projects in various fields would be implemented if he party won the election also pledging to offer solutions to real problems, construction and overhaul of 2,000 streets across the country, construction and reconstruction of 100 kindergartens, 150 schools, investments in environment, opening of 150 parks, investments in 60 cultural centers, 90 sports halls, gasification, etc. VMRO-DPMNE’s candidate for mayor of Ohrid is Kiril Pecakov. Pecakov at the rally pledged to establish “a bright future in Ohrid” by reforming the local administration, through job creation and new investments to boost economic growth. He said he would open an industrial zone where local investors would expand their activities and open new jobs all the while announcing investments in rural areas to enhance economic and social development in a bid to demotivate young people to migrate. Pecakov’s election program also includes promotion of sports, sporting tourism, new parks, bicycle lanes, expansion of greenery, support for cultural and religious events, as well as solutions to the water supply issue. “Positive changes start from Ohrid. This is a struggle of our generation. It’s time for change, time for projects and it’s time to win,” Pecakov told his supporters.