Zaev to Mickoski: I don’t intend to grant wishes for early elections


North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Zoran Zaev yet again called VMRO-DPMNE’s leader Hristijan Mickoski to attend the leaders’ meeting on Friday, saying it would take place regardless of the opposition leader’s decision.

“I am prepared to talk on what Mickoski insists. We might not agree on all issues, but we need to talk first. We are obliged to do this,” PM Zaev told reporters.

According to him, leaders in a normal country sit down and talk about the census, because it cannot be delayed for another ten years.

“We need to clear up all dilemmas and guarantee a successful census. The country desperately needs this census, because of the economic parameters, the next stage of the decentralization process, fair distribution by regions, health and education policies. I know no arguments to avoid this issue,” said Zaev.

According to him, Mickoski is asking for early elections, but they should first talk about the Electoral Code, for which ODIHR has provided its recommendations.

The PM said the Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office must be urgently adopted.

“All of us who are committed to the rule of law should not allow for the law not to be passed. Mickoski says he would destroy the law. Why, because of the investigation on high-level corruption of VMRO-DPMNE officials? Everyone is equal before the law,” added Zaev.

the PM noted that Friday’s meeting would focus on all topics, but not on granting wishes for early elections.

“I do not intend to grant wishes for early elections, although I know that the incumbent authorities will win them. I will not do that because it could harm the people’s economic perspectives,” said the prime minister.