SDSM tensions deepen as Venko Filipche lashes out at new platform
Filipche accused founders of the 'Conversations for the Future at 12 and 5' platform of damaging SDSM, while the platform says it will present a consolidation plan this week.
Internal divisions inside SDSM have surfaced again and intensified after a newly formed group called the Platform "Conversations for the Future at 12 and 5" opened what party leaders describe as a new front within the ranks. Rhetoric from the party leadership has grown sharper as members of the platform press their agenda.
Venko Filipche, who leads SDSM, said he is disappointed with former party officials and spoke bluntly about colleagues he believes are working to remove him.
“I am not at odds, but I must say that I am disappointed because the door was opened for them and it remains open, if they truly have good intentions. Why didn’t they take part in the party’s activities so far?! For example, MP Petrovska has not appeared at a single party activity in recent months, she has not fulfilled her party duty. And now she will speak about some reforms. The leaders of that platform are the people who have caused the greatest damage to the party and almost buried it,” Filipche said.
Platform to present consolidation plan
The founders of the Platform say they will present a plan this week aimed at consolidating and strengthening the opposition front. They also say they have a Plan B, but so far its contents remain unknown to the public.
At the same time, criticism is coming from the ruling VMRO-DPMNE. Brane Petrushevski urged Filipche to calm the tensions within the opposition, warning that SDSM risks collapse if the divisions continue.
“Filipche should first think about how to calm the passions in the opposition, if he wants to be someone who leads a serious party at all, because this way SDSM is moving toward ruin,” Petrushevski said.
Prime Minister Mickoski earlier argued that the Platform missed an opportunity to make a positive first impression because it underestimated citizens. Filipche, for his part, accused Platform members of being paid by the government and working for its interests. The internal dispute underscores growing strains inside SDSM as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges.
Photo: press material from the event
