Forums organized by SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE have furthered the red lines of the parties, after which it will be difficult to get to a point of contact for the start of talks, let alone for a solution, experts say.
As leader of SDSM Zoran Zaev , in his speech to the citizens in “Universal Hall”, submitted several requests, several days later, the leader of VMRO-DPMNE and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski expressly rejected them without any chance of moving the original lines.
On the platform, Zaev demanded the resignation of the Government of Nikola Gruevski and transitional government.
– Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Macedonia Marko Zvrlevski should immediately resign! The management team of Macedonian Radio Television should immediately resign! We demand to set up a format of a transitional government, which will have a mandate to provide the necessary conditions for conducting free, fair and democratic elections. The obligation of the transitional government will be to ensure complete separation of the ruling parties of institutions which have now occupied and their depolitization on all lines as a basic condition for democratic elections. The composition of the transitional government cannot include people for whom there are suspicions or evidence that are in any way involved in illegal and criminal activities. Along with this whole process, a public, transparent and impartial investigation into the wiretapping scandal, with the involvement of the international community, must immediately be initiated – said Zaev.
To these requirements, from “his” forum, Gruevski replied that the chances for a transitional government are unachievable or, as he said, “request for a transitional government in Macedonia is possible and feasible, but without VMRO-DPMNE in it.”
– We have considered and will always think that it is the people who give mandate and legitimacy on elections and the people choose who forms the government, and who does not. By forming a transitional government, there is room for serious precedent, which can then easily be the subject of conflict between the parties. Change of Director of MTV. Imagine, a leading figure in the state became the director of MTV and now it is a problem because of which there is no democracy in the country. I said to myself, Branko used to at least set more persuasive conditions and requirements, somehow it all seemed smarter – replied Gruevski to the leader of opposition on his demands.
However, analyst Albert Musliu believes that two leaders have common points in the part of the talk of a transitional government.
– Zaev asked for a transitional government composed of experts. On the other hand, the Gruevski said that the transitional government is possible without VMRO-DPMNE. Does that mean that he agrees with the transitional government without party officials, but experts? It can be concluded that both speakers are careful with words and organized rallies to consolidate their membership. It may be a sign that they are ready for negotiations, on which they will enter strengthened, drawing the strength from their membership. Otherwise, there is no chance for them to solve this crisis on their own, without the help from the international community – said Musliu, who adds, however, that in the end, the solution will be early elections.
According to Professor Nenad Markovik, both rallies only confirmed what we knew, that the parties will be buried in their trenches.
– The forum of VMRO-DPMNE meant consolidation of membership and identification of leadership. Nobody detach from their positions and it is not known how long it can last. However, nobody wants early elections, especially under these circumstances. The only way out is mediation by the head of state or of the European Union, although I think that the EU has no serious interest to deal with us now. In the end, it is most likely that the solution will come down to elections which VMRO-DPMNE has to organize in three years. The only thing Gruevski can do in order to slightly reduce the pressure, is to do a reconstruction and change all the ministers involved in these talks, but it is a double-edged sword. It can also mean that he admits his guilt – stated Markovik for us.
Marko Troshanovski of the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” said that, based on the general requirements of the opposition, the views of the parties are not only distancing, but they are being buried.
– The only point where they can meet for now is the international monitoring of developments. So, it could first come to legal resolution, and later a political one. Only here some point for an opportunity to start some conversations to overcome the situation can be glimpsed. In all other views, they are diametrically opposed – says Troshanovski.
Zhidas Daskalovski of the Center for Development Research and Policy (CRP) believes that there is no common ground on which both parties could try to resolve the crisis.
– At least publicly there is no chance of talks. Their views are contradictory to the maximum and it is hard that currently is a starting point for the start of any negotiations – said Daskalovski.
