Unlike 5 years ago, when citizens celebrated 20 years of independence for the country, they were together and united. However, the jubilee (the 25th anniversary of independence) we found ourselves feuding and divided by mutual distrust and hatred, said President Gjorgi Ivanov yesterday, in his speech at the official ceremony at the Macedonian National Theatre for Independence Day.
Ivanov, made references to the challenges and successes of the country while on the path of independence, and said that as a society we can only truly be free if we keep the freedom in our hearts, “in the heart of Macedonia”, but “today, our hearts are full of bitterness because of broken promises”.
But, instead of this year, according to the country’s president, which should have been a turning point and a new beginning, “we have continued to sink deeper into a mud of revenge and accusations among each other”.
“Society, economy, media, culture, art, sports … they have all become hostages of a political crisis in which each side only sees the mistakes of their opponent, but are blind to their own mistakes”, stressed Ivanov.
He said that it does not matter who wins the elections on December the 11th and who will rule until the next elections, but stressed that it is more important how the country will pass the pre-election process and the election process itself.
“Most important of all is what will follow after the elections on December 11. We have lost a lot of precious time. These elections are a chance to finish this bitter page full of uncertainty and turn to a new page. The new government will have a huge task, in several areas. While European and Euro-Atlantic integration could be blocked, it is necessary for Macedonia to make a strategic turn towards the inside. What does that mean? If the European Union lacks the will to begin negotiations and to open new chapters for Macedonia, then we ourselves need to open 34 chapters, we ourselves need to fulfill the criteria for EU membership. It is necessary to strengthen our institutions, to reform the judiciary system, the education system, and to develop the economy. This way, we will eliminate or at least minimize the consequences of any blockade. Therefore, it is necessary that we make a strategic turn inwards, towards our country. To bring forth the changes ourselves, for the good of the country”, said Ivanov.
