VMRO-DPMNE and DUI most willing for early elections

The largest party among ethnic Macedonians and the largest party among Albanians appear to be the most willing to hold early parliamentary elections, while parts of the government have left open the possibility of not blocking the process if the opposition formally requests it.

Prime ministerial circles say that citizens want reforms before elections, but at the same time they repeat that they will not remain mere observers if the opposition initiates an early vote. The opposition SDSM, meanwhile, is so far carefully pacing its public appearance on this issue.

Positions, conditions and rhetoric

On behalf of SDSM, Venko Filipche positioned the party as ready, but also as unwilling to serve as an alibi for the rival structure: "We are always ready for elections, we also have a master plan that we will present soon, but we do not want to be an alibi for Hristijan Mickoski." He reiterated his stance: "I have long said and will repeat, early elections will occur when this government runs out of money, and that is already happening."

From the camp of Albanian voters, DUI again demanded an early verification of support and fiercely attacked the current regime: "Those who trampled legitimacy now hide as soon as they are asked to measure it before the citizens. 'Vlen' knows that he did not have and does not have the support of the Albanians. He knows that his rule relies on the mercy of political patrons and on trampling the free voice. If they received permission, let them accept early elections. Their silence is already an answer: they are afraid of the citizens and of the judgment that awaits them," DUI stated.

The movement "Vredi" accused that the talk about legitimacy and the demands for early elections are only domestic stories to maintain hope among the same officials: "The talks about legitimacy and the demands for early elections are only for at home, to keep the same armchairs in condition and to sell them the hope that they will soon return to power to steal again. But those stories no longer pass even in Mala Rechica. At the next elections citizens will finish the job and send this unreformed leadership, which functions like a politburo, straight into political retirement," responded "Vredi".

Of the 11 parliamentary elections held so far in the country, 5 were early and 6 were regular. Expert assessments say the final decision will depend on the stability of coalitions, the financial state of the country and the mood of the public.

Photo: press material from the event