Filipche calls Mickoski "complete idiot" ahead of von der Leyen visit
Filipche warned that the prime minister’s stance could exclude North Macedonia from a 2030 EU roadmap and urged MPs to back a €600 minimum wage.
Venko Filipche, leader of SDSM and a member of parliament, sharply criticised Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s handling of North Macedonia’s EU path and called him a "complete idiot" on 1 October 2026, as the country prepared to receive European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Filipche warned that the government’s course risks leaving North Macedonia outside a timetable that opens the door to membership for other countries by 2030. He said there is “a clear, clean roadmap for four countries” — Albania, Montenegro, Ukraine and Moldova — and that North Macedonia is not on it because of Mickoski’s choices.
Warning ahead of von der Leyen’s visit
Addressing reporters in the legislature, Filipche framed the moment as politically weighty and urgent. "Let us speak about the future. I don't know whether you are aware how serious the situation is now, today, tomorrow ahead of von der Leyen's visit. I don't know whether you are aware what political weight this moment carries in which, after 30‑odd years, we are at a dead end toward Europe by the personal wish of Hristijan Mickoski. Are you aware that there is a clear, clean roadmap for four countries, and we are not on it? By 2030 the door to Europe is open. Albania, Montenegro, Ukraine and Moldova will become member states. We are not there. And Hristijan Mickoski still plays the patriot. He would defend the name, the language, the culture, the identity. But all of that is preserved in international agreements. They recognize that. And now some nonsense is said that Iceland didn't want the EU, but Iceland is part of the single market. Can such a complete idiot be the person to isolate us completely?" — Filipche said.
He argued that continuing on a path of isolation would have long‑term consequences for living standards, emigration and the country’s future.
Filipche also used the press appearance to urge MPs from the ruling majority to back a proposed increase of the minimum wage to 600 euros and a plan to subsidise employer social contributions for private companies on the portion related to the raise.
Photo: press material from the event
