Mickoski says ruling party prefers 2028 vote but is prepared for an earlier contest if opposition demands it
SKOPJE, June 11 (BV) – North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski signaled on Thursday that his ruling party is prepared for early parliamentary elections, while reiterating that its preferred option remains holding regular elections in 2028.
Speaking to reporters, Mickoski said the governing VMRO-DPMNE had entered the second half of its mandate and must be prepared for all political scenarios.
“Our preferred option as a government is regular elections in 2028, but as a political party we are always ready, if the opposition demands it, to go to the voters and win again,” Mickoski said.
Although he stopped short of announcing snap elections, his comments immediately fueled speculation about a possible early vote and triggered a sharp response from the opposition.
Mickoski also said talks on a government reshuffle would begin next week with coalition partners, adding that discussions would focus on whether the parties continue to share the same political vision.
The opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia accused the prime minister of changing his position after months of insisting that no early elections would be held.
In a statement, SDSM said Mickoski had repeatedly altered his rhetoric depending on political circumstances.
“There are two Hristijan Mickoskis,” the party said, pointing to what it described as contradictions between his previous positions and current policies on issues including the Prespa Agreement and the country’s membership in North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The opposition further argued that the government’s willingness to discuss elections reflects growing financial pressures.
“While there was room for borrowing, Mickoski claimed there would be no elections. Now, as the government is running out of money and can no longer increase debt as freely as before, elections have suddenly become ‘very soon’,” SDSM said.
The exchange comes amid growing political maneuvering ahead of local elections and ongoing debates over government performance, economic policy and North Macedonia’s stalled European Union accession process.
Despite the heated rhetoric, no formal proposal for snap elections has been tabled, leaving open the question of whether Mickoski’s remarks were a political challenge to the opposition or an early signal that the ruling coalition is preparing for a possible electoral test before 2028.