Mickoski: The European path of the RSM will be a "marathon", not a sprint

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, leveled sharp criticisms at the previous administration and once again called into question the agreements with the European Union, which he claims have led to the blocking of the country's European perspective.

His statement was made in Strumica during the celebration of the 36th anniversary of VMRO-DPMNE, held at the city stadium under the motto "Macedonia accelerates, our duty". In his speech, he commented on both the domestic political situation and relations with Bulgaria.

According to him, the current difficulties are a consequence of the "actions of the current opposition", which, in his opinion, is in a state of political marginalization. Mickoski accused the former government of making commitments to European institutions for the sake of political gain.

"But they created a big problem, they created a big problem on our path to Europe. If it weren't for this problem, with the reforms and policies implemented by this government, we would already be knocking on the doors of Europe. However, before us stands an agreement that obliges us to something that none of us intends to do. It will forever remind us of that blank sheet of paper, signed by the previous government in the hope of staying in power and winning the favor of those who do not vote, while in fact it is the people who choose and punish. And the people punished them and sent them into opposition," said Mickoski.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the country continues to see its future as part of the European Union and that the place of its citizens is among the full members.

At the same time, he warned that the accession process will not be short.

"But, dear brothers and sisters, this will not be a sprint or a short race. Prepare for a marathon, because we will have to fight to rectify the betrayal and capitulation that the most corrupt government in Macedonian history committed against this people and its homeland. Prepare to fight and win the right for our compatriots on the other side of the border to finally register their organization, through which they can organize themselves culturally," he declared.

Mickoski also called on European partners and all countries that claim there is only one final condition left before the integration of North Macedonia, to provide guarantees that no new bilateral requirements will be imposed.

He insisted that the Macedonian identity, culture, traditions, and language be recognized as definitively established.

"There is no price, there is no glory, there is no power that can convince me to accept anything without these things. This is our red line. Everyone must hear us clearly and categorically. There is no bargaining with our Macedonian identity. Enough is enough," concluded Mickoski.