On behalf of the opposition SDSM, party leader Venko Filipce has sent official letters to the European Union, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the EP rapporteur for North Macedonia, and the ambassadors of EU Member States in Skopje, in which he raises concerns about what he describes as “serious violations of the democratic and constitutional order, the separation of powers, and the rule of law” in North Macedonia.
In a press release, the SDSM shared excerpts from the letter, saying that the country is experiencing a systematic undermining of the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the fundamental principles of constitutionality, and pointing to the role of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
Responding to a reporter’s question earlier this week, Mickoski said that he had “a feeling“ that senior officials from the previous SDSM government, former prime ministers, and their family members would soon be prosecuted. “I have a feeling, I am not saying that I have information, I have a feeling,“ he added. The SDSM has characterized this statement as a threat against the opposition.
In its letter, the SDSM says that ”this statement of political vindictiveness poses a direct threat to democratic pluralism.” It argues that Mickoski’s “feeling” that specific procedures will follow suggests an intention to exert control over the prosecution service and judiciary, paving the way for politically motivated trials. The letter further argues that, by acting in his dual role as prime minister and leader of VMRO-DPMNE, Mickoski is turning state institutions into tools for settling party disputes while also using them to shield his own structures. The SDSM leader describes the situation as “completely incompatible with the values of a country that aspires to EU membership.”
Commenting briefly on the SDSM’s letter on Friday, Mickoski said: “Everyone has the right to write and send letters, but my feeling is growing stronger.”
/RY/