Skopje, 25 July 2024 (MIA) – SDSM leader Venko Filipche called on the government to put up for a public debate the new criminal law, which is in the Justice Ministry after being completed. Asked why he has changed his position now after the recently adopted amendments, backed by the previous government, allowed statute of limitations to enforce for many cases, which was met with public backlash, he said he was doing it as the new leader of the opposition.

The new criminal law, being prepared since 2017, he said, is drafted in coordination with the international institutions to be similar to the German criminal law, he mentioned.

“I think it should be discussed as soon as possible at a public debate by experts. It’s not enough to admit we made a mistake for passing this legislation, we are going further trying to fix the mistake,” Filipche said answering questions at a press briefing admitting the SDSM-led government had made a mistake by adopting the changes to the Criminal Code. 

The opposition leader said he hasn’t discussed the matter with PM Hristijan Mickoski and what he will do next depends on the response.

“We shall see what the response will be because it is the government that should put up the legislation for public debate,” Filipche stated. 

As regards the dismissal of the current Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors, which is included in the VMRO-DPMNE program, Filipche called it ‘not a good sign that isn’t approved by the international community.’

“All reforms in the judiciary should be implemented with international support,” he stressed.

Regarding the EU integration process, Filipche said it is experiencing a setback with the already closed issue with Greece being revived.

“Mickoski hasn’t met with anyone, a delegation or a prime minister of our strategic partner for our demands to be delivered. What we’re seeing instead is partnership with Orban and a vague perspective. VMRO-DPMNE should tell the public where it is leading the country, what is the plan and the timeline,” said Filipche. 

He noted that VMRO-DPMNE and Mickoski had promised better conditions in the negotiations for EU membership and a changed negotiating framework and that the citizens were expecting that from the current government.

“This is what SDSM expects as well and it will back any attempt made for better conditions and guarantees VMRO-DPMNE will secure. But, we will not support a blocked process and opening of new disputes,” Filipche said.