Kovačevski: So far, Macedonia has not been offered a better alternative to the French proposal

MP and former Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski, asked whether accepting the French proposal and the Negotiating Framework with the EU could now be considered a wrong decision, replied that it was the most favorable offer for Macedonia and that no better proposal has been put forward so far.

Kovačevski recalled that the opposition at the time, which is now in power, sought the support of citizens by pledging to negotiate a new framework and secure guarantees, as well as other conditions for the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria.

“Time is passing. They say they are holding talks, so it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be. Nevertheless, I believe Macedonia’s ultimate objective should be EU membership. This is demonstrated by the rise in living standards in countries joining the European Union and by the fact that our citizens leave to work in those countries.

“One need only look at what is happening to the number of children in schools. In most cities, there are now fewer pupils in the first grade of primary school than the number of children born six years ago,” Kovačevski told Sitel.

According to the MP, two neighboring countries have a responsibility to build and maintain good-neighborly relations.

“Imagine what would happen if Poland and Germany, or France and Germany, continued to communicate as they once did.

“In such a case, the EU would not be able to exist. The governments of Macedonia and Bulgaria, as well as those of Macedonia and Greece or Albania, have an obligation to create a narrative and cooperation that ease relations between citizens and states. This issue should not be left to structures that do not want good relations between the countries,” Kovačevski emphasized.