Filipche: We will not be an alibi for Mickoski’s early elections

SDSM leader Venko Filipche said at a press conference that his party will not serve as an excuse for early elections called by VMRO‑DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski.

Filipche sharply criticised the opposition’s motive, arguing that the demand for snap polls is driven by a shortage of funds for what he described as "criminal tenders": "It is obvious that the only parameter driving him to seek elections is that there is no more money in the budget for his criminal tenders. Locally there are no results."

He added that the economy and public services have stalled, warning about mounting liabilities: "Everything in the country has come to a halt, people have no money, and the debts to companies are enormous." Filipche also charged that the country’s European perspective has weakened: "No one talks to us about Europe anymore; we have become a blind alley on the Balkans."

Plans and conditions

Filipche said the Left (Levica) has agreed to elections and that some opposition forces are seeking a broader unification. Still, he insisted any coalition should be "with and for SDSM." In his words, the party puts pro‑European policies at the centre of its platform: "Europe and pro‑European policies are our main postulate. We are in talks with other parties, people, individuals, prominent intellectuals, and organisations who realise that this government lacks good policies for citizens and has only overburdened us. Only projects for their personal interest."

Asked whether SDSM is ready for polls, Filipche said the party is prepared to go to the ballot even if elections were held tomorrow. He announced that in September he will present a Master Plan for Macedonia and a citizens’ agreement: "We are ready with the team and the programme. With the Master Plan for Macedonia and the agreement with the citizens that I will present in September, six clearly and well‑defined points so citizens know what they will vote for, whenever elections happen."

Filipche also raised concerns about health services, saying the PET/CT centre operated for only one day before going out of service again. He demanded an urgent fix so the centre can resume work immediately: "Health — the PET/CT centre worked for only one day, and now it is again out of operation. This problem must be fixed urgently; it should be operational by tomorrow."

Photo: press material from the event