North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Wednesday accused the previous government of accepting a controversial EU negotiation framework, known as the “French proposal,” in order to remain in power, not to advance the country’s European integration.
In an interview with Alsat TV, Mickoski claimed that former Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, ex-Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, Deputy PM Bojan Maricic, and President Stevo Pendarovski prioritized political survival over national interests.
He cited Pendarovski’s public admission that he had played a key role in negotiating the French proposal, despite earlier claims that he had no knowledge of it and opposed constitutional changes demanded as part of the EU accession process.
“That proposal is anything but in the interest of all citizens of North Macedonia, regardless of whether they are Macedonian or Albanian,” Mickoski said. “Our shared goal is to join the European family with dignity, but this path has now become nearly impossible.”
Commenting on recent statements from Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister, who said Sofia would not impose new demands and that the constitutional amendment is the only remaining obstacle, Mickoski expressed skepticism.
“The same minister said a few months ago that this is just the beginning and that many unresolved issues remain,” he said. “So who are we supposed to believe—the minister from three months ago or the one speaking now?”
Mickoski argued that the previous government entered into negotiations under the belief that signing any agreement put on the table would ensure international support to stay in power.
“That was their motive—Kovacevski, Maricic, Osmani, and presumably Pendarovski as well,” he said. “It was about staying in government and continuing their governance, not about the country’s future.”
As for Bulgaria’s position, Mickoski said it stems from long-standing ambitions to redefine Macedonian identity.
“Sofia’s goal is to create a new, artificial Macedonian identity and language based on Bulgarian roots,” he said. “Our motive is entirely different—an inclusive, dignified European future for all citizens: Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Roma, Bosniaks.”