In his speech before the end of his mandate, the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, stated that he has always been guided by the interests of citizens and the state, has been transparent in his work, and has not shied away from responsibilities.
Speaking about the most important issue currently in his country, which is the constitutional changes, he said that “divisions around the national link regarding this issue are unproductive for the vitality of the Macedonian cause”.
“With the postponement of constitutional changes, we will lose another chance that could cost us at least a decade outside integrations, meaning less economic progress, a lower standard for citizens, and more emigration,” added President Pendarovski.
He called for “not playing with the identity feelings of Macedonians and for politics not to instill fear to gain advantages”. In this context, he urged to stop the war and the language of hatred on social networks. The Macedonian President emphasized the high level of corruption in the judiciary.
“Unfortunately, the impression is created that the USA and the EU are more zealous fighters against corruption here than our institutions themselves. However, external sanctions are not enough if not accompanied by internal sanctions,” he said.
Pendarovski suggested that after the elections in May, there should be a cleansing among judges and prosecutors, but first among politicians. “For everyone who does not have a logical explanation of how they became a millionaire with a state salary, there should be not only resignation but also criminal proceedings,” he noted.
The Macedonian President highlighted the need to maintain stable interethnic relations and the Western orientation of foreign policy or the continuation of European integration. He noted that populism is gaining political power and influence in Europe, which, according to him, affects the processes involving North Macedonia.
The President did not rule out the possibility of increasing tensions in the Western Balkans as a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine, pointing out in this context events in north Kosovo and developments in Bosnia.
Pendarovski also did not overlook the tragic case of the murder of a 14-year-old girl at the end of November, which he linked to what he called the “pathology of the 30-year transition”, where perpetrators of serious crimes are protected by state structures.
He once again called for the punishment of individuals or groups spreading interethnic and interfaith hatred, the closure of political parties or organizations that act contrary to what they have declared in founding documents and abuse democracy as a value of the modern world.
This is the fifth time President Pendarovski has addressed the country’s Parliament during his five-year term. A few days ago, when asked if he would run for a second term, he said it was not the time to think about it. Later, he stated that he would run if he has the support of the citizens.
Pendarovski was the candidate of the Social Democratic Union, supported by the Democratic Union for Integration in the previous presidential elections. The two parties have not expressed yet whether they will support his candidacy again for the elections on April 24.
