Skopje, 10 May 2024 (MIA) — The state conducted the elections in a free, peaceful, fair and democratic atmosphere, contributing to the European conduct of the country that aspires to be a EU member, Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi told a press conference Friday.

Speaking about the work of the caretaker Government in the past 100 days, PM Xhaferi said the elections had been exemplary.

"I made a public committment to ensuring the free expression of the citizens' will in the presidential and parliamentary elections," Xhaferi said, adding that this constitutional obligation was fulfilled. 

Confirming this were "the congratulations and expressions of respect from our European partners," he said. 

"If anything speaks for the European and democratic capacities of a government, it is an election," he added.

Thanking the institutions and voters for "rising up to their responsibilities and contributing to the state's efforts to make progress according to European values," Xhaferi said he expected from the next government to maintain the country's course.

"The future of North Macedonia, the citizens' peace, tranquility and perspectives are directly related to our progress in European integration and becoming full members by 2030," he said.

He added that the citizens needed a stable, secure and predictable society in step with the developed democratic world.

He said his appointment as the first ethnic Albanian PM of the country was another contribution to democracy and added that his term in office included numerous meetings with strategic Euro-Atlantic partners at international events.

From his previous experience as Parliament Speaker, he said, as caretaker PM he was also able to contribute to solving some long-standing parliamentary issues. mr/