Dear citizens of the Republic of Macedonia!
Today is an important day for our country and our citizens.
The citizens voted with dignity, and majority of the ballots cast sent the message that our path, and our bright future are in NATO and in the European Union.
In this referendum, Macedonian citizens demonstrated their democratic maturity. The decision they made today was not an easy one. But, it needed to be made today.
We had many discussions in the past months – on the political scene, in the media, amongst friends, in the families.
And finally, every citizen made their own decision. That is the value of democracy. This is an occasion to thank all citizens who voted individually, those who voted FOR and those who voted AGAINST, since they took on responsibility. It was decided by the ballots of those who voted.
My gratitude goes to the members of VMRO-DPMNE who, despite the boycott advocated by the leadership of that party, they took on responsibility for their fatherland, they went out and voted in the referendum following their own free will. Their vote and the vote of every citizen today is a serious investment, a building brick into the future of our Macedonia.
Dear all,
In the referendum today, more than 650.000 citizens voted. Out of the citizens who voted, more than 90% chose “FOR” and sent the message that the Republic of Macedonia should accept the agreement with Greece and become member of NATO and the EU.
European Macedonia won more votes FOR than any winner in any parliamentary elections in the history of independent Macedonia.
And here is a simple example:
Even if the turnout requirement had been met, even if there had been 1,1 million voters who went out, this result of about 600.000 citizens who voted FOR, would have meant a clear decision of the citizens and clear determination FOR European Macedonia.
The people made a very important choice. The citizens said a big GOR, by which they supported one question, one vision and one goal for the future of our country.
Dear all,
Now that we have a majority in expressed wish FOR European Macedonia, it is time for the members in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia to follow the voice of the majority, in order to accelerate the processes for final accession to NATO and EU and secure a better future.
The vote of the citizens is a clear call to all political parties to join the process and work towards the shared objective.
As a Prime Minister of this proud European Macedonia, I am calling upon all responsible leaders, and every MP, to unite and to take our country where it belongs – in the EU and NATO.
I know, and the opposition knows, too: There is no better agreement with the Hellenic Republic and no better agreement is possible. There is no and there could be no alternative for the NATO- and EU-membership of Macedonia.
Let’s not play games with our future and with our Macedonia!
I am also sending my own, personal invitation to every member of the Macedonian parliament:
Let’s put the national interests, the interests of citizens and strategic interests of the country ABOVE politics and ABOVE party interests. National interests are above all, and before all. This issue is bigger than any of us and than our political parties. This is the time when togetherness/unity of political representatives is what Macedonia needs the most.
This is a moment when the MPs, though their decision, have the obligation to make Macedonia a better country, a wonderful place for living for every citizen.
Otherwise, the only other democratic tool available are early parliamentary elections - immediately!
Dear MPs, it is the time to support European Macedonia, it is the time to write history together!
Thank you.
