Siljanovska-Davkova: The country has progressed compared to two years ago, but further reforms are needed

President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has said that the country is moving in the right direction and that, in a number of sectors, it is functioning better than it did two years ago. However, she stressed the need for additional commitment in the fight against corruption, crime and the partisan control of institutions.

In an interview with Kanal 5 television, Siljanovska-Davkova said progress had been made in several processes, but reiterated that reform changes cannot be carried out immediately.

“I think we are moving forward well. Of course, it is more functional than before in many areas, because if we are making progress with the growth plan, the package of laws on the judiciary has been adopted and only needs to be implemented. There are some problems. Changes are happening, but they take time. This cannot be done with the stroke of a pen, with a single law,” the president said.

According to her, corruption and crime remain among the country’s most serious problems, while the partisan control and politicisation of institutions are still widespread.

“Our greatest pain has been and remains corruption and crime. This is a fact. Partisan control and politicisation are still strong. Where there is partisan control and politicisation, corruption and crime find fertile ground. We need strong institutions and weak individuals, because problems must be resolved institutionally,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

She also stressed that reforms must be accompanied by support for the most vulnerable categories of citizens, as well as efforts to achieve economic progress.

“First, the weakest must be protected, because we are constantly facing crises. It must be managed carefully so that the situation can be endured. Second, we must take the fight against corruption and crime seriously,” the president added.

Siljanovska-Davkova also singled out European integration, economic development, the functioning of Parliament and the adoption of quality laws as priorities.

At the end of the interview, she called on parliamentary parties to address political issues through dialogue in Parliament, rather than through public debates and polemics.