On the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, SDSM leader Venko Filipče described the document as the foundation underpinning the country’s peace, coexistence and democratic prospects.

According to Filipče, Macedonia belongs equally to all its citizens, while diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than be exploited for political division or the incitement of hatred.

“Today marks 25 years since the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the document that ended the armed conflict of 2001 and reaffirmed Macedonia’s territorial integrity, as well as its democratic future. Our country’s greatest strength lies precisely in the fact that it is a common home for Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Roma, Bosniaks and all other citizens. Differences are an integral part of our society, so we have a duty to value them as an asset and not turn them into an instrument of political division,” he stressed.

Filipče added that the Ohrid Framework Agreement demonstrates that peace, dialogue and compromise are always more powerful than conflict, division and hatred. He said that, even after 25 years, everyone has a responsibility to build Macedonia’s future on coexistence, equality and mutual respect, rather than through divisions, insults and hatred.

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According to SDSM leader Venko Filipče, statements by Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski and later by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that the Second Protocol to the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation between Macedonia and Bulgaria is not included in the EU Negotiating Framework prove that earlier claims about restoring the country’s name and endangering its identity were part of a fabricated scenario aimed at obstructing the country’s European path.

During a meeting with journalists, Filipče said the government’s earlier claims that the Negotiating Framework would be changed and that it posed a threat to the Macedonian language and identity had been prepared in advance.

“They knew what they were doing. They were playing with people’s emotions and deliberately blocking the European integration process,” Filipče said. He added that the current government had made promises despite being aware that it would be unable to restore the country’s name or change the Negotiating Framework.

Commenting on the government’s demand for guarantees that Bulgaria will not impose further obstacles during EU negotiations, Filipče said such guarantees could not be secured, as no country has ever had them and no one can provide them.

“When Antonio Costa was here, he told us openly that if the constitutional amendments are made and the tasks in the Reform Agenda are fulfilled, no one will be able to stop us in the EU negotiations. As for unreasonable blockades by Bulgaria, of course we would like to have guarantees. But what happens if there are none? How can anyone take away our language when it is recognized?” Filipče said.

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Explaining the reasons for the event, which was held behind closed doors, Ivanovski said the main motivation was the current situation on the political scene. According to him, the country is facing, on the one hand, an unjustifiably strong government and, on the other, an opposition that is failing to express and articulate the oppositional mood that is growing ever stronger.

He also spoke about the way the party is being led by its current chairman, Venko Filipče, whom he said he has known since he was 17 years old. Ivanovski stressed that he has nothing personal against him, but that he is convinced Filipče is not capable of bearing the burden of the role he has in SDSM.

“Perhaps no one wished him success as president of SDSM more than I did. And in the past period, I have continuously participated with my suggestions, proposals, and opinions, and not only I, but also some of the people who sat at that table with the best intentions. For example, I personally thought that Venko Filipče, as president, should make a complete break with SDSM, so that the party could be competitive and have a fresh start in terms of personnel, program, and concept. I know this, and I have no different opinion on it: yes, Venko Filipče is an excellent surgeon, not to say the best, that is not for me to judge, right, and I still hold that opinion, he always wants to help, but I, both in the past period and now publicly, and this will be the first and last time I speak about him as president of SDSM, say that he cannot handle that role. Is it because of a lack of capacity, is it ignorance, which is legitimate, but perhaps also a lack of will. I think it is the latter,” Ivanovski said.

In support of this position, he cited as an example the fact that, according to him, in the past period advice had been given in good faith and without asking for anything in return. However, as he put it, in response they encountered manipulation and a failure to tell the truth behind closed doors.

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SDSM leader Venko Filipče announced that he will propose Goran Gerasimovski, currently the mayor of Centar Municipality, for the new position of party vice president.

According to him, SDSM is continuing to consolidate, while Gerasimovski is a figure who enjoys the support and trust of citizens.

“SDSM is growing even stronger. I am pleased to inform the members that I will nominate Goran Gerasimovski for the new vice president of SDSM. Goran is a man who, through tireless work, dedication and responsibility, has earned the trust of the citizens of Centar Municipality. Winning and securing a second term as mayor is the best proof that results, closeness to the people and honest work are always appreciated. I am convinced that Goran, with his experience, work and sincere desire, will bring new momentum, unite all our capacities against the criminal government and contribute to building an even stronger SDSM. Together we continue, with the dedication and renewed energy of our entire team, for a better future for Macedonia,” Filipče wrote on social media.

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“During our term, the SDSM Government continuously raised wages; now let the Government raise wages in education and healthcare by 40%,” Filipče said.

He underlined that citizens deserve to see their incomes increase continuously, while also recalling the measures and results achieved during the period when the country was led by SDSM governments.

“People not only deserve it, but it should be a continuous system in which wages will rise. We and our governments have shown that it is possible, even in times facing much greater crises than the one that has just happened. Let me remind you of the Covid crisis, the energy crisis, and then, with the start of the war in Ukraine, wages continued to rise,” Filipče said.

Filipče added that during SDSM’s term, significant increases were achieved both in wages and in social assistance, and according to him, this means there is a basis today for even greater support for citizens.

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