Veles, 1 October 2021 (MIA) – In these years, we’ve managed to achieve success that for decades seemed an unattainable goal, we’ve set the direction and it is clear –we’re moving forward with the best, we’re moving forward in that direction for four years in which we have the duty to transform the country for the better, and it is happening here and now, before our very eyes, Prime Minister and SDSM leader Zoran Zaev told a rally in Veles on Friday, promoting candidates for mayor and list of councilors for the upcoming October 17 local elections. “Yesterday was a big day in the history of our country. For the first time after 20 years, the state conducted a successful census - 1,832,696 citizens were counted, i.e. over 99 percent of the citizens. This is a great success, a huge success. We’re no longer the only country in the world without a census, but we’re getting clear and precise data on which to base future policies. The direction is clear – we’re moving forward with the best,” said Zaev. We’ve been moving in that direction for four years, he added, with the duty to transform the country for the better, for present generations, for youth, the children, and future generations. “The Republic of North Macedonia is a free democratic country today, a NATO member, a country that is respected in the region, in Europe, in the world… Today, we’re a country that is a friend of the region and Europe,” Zaev said. He pointed out that Veles must continue with the realization of capital projects, important for local development, which, he added, is only possible with SDSM and the coalition, with the mayoral candidate Nenad Kocikj, and with the holder of the list of councilors Marjancho Nikolov. “Nenad’s commitment, his responsibility and vision are a guarantee that Veles will continue to develop. Because Nenad Kocikj is a guarantee of the best perspectives for Veles. He is the best for Veles,” Zaev told the rally in Veles. Mayoral candidate Nenad Kocikj said he and his team have prepared the best program for Veles, which guarantees development, new investments, new jobs both for the youth and for the unemployed. “It is a program that guarantees a new impulse in the development of our Veles. Projects in infrastructure, road network, environmental protection, youth, sports culture, entertainment, tourism, foreign investments…” Kocikj told the rally in Veles. He added that part of the projects within the program include My Mayor – accessible, open, communicative, responsible, always available to the citizens. The rally was also addressed by the holder of the list of councilors Marjancho Nikolov. Earlier on Friday the SDSM-led coalition held rallies in Gradsko and Chashka.