SDSM President Venko Filipche, after his re-election, stated at a press conference that the party will return the country to a path of success, benefiting all citizens.

Filipche emphasized the selection of credible candidates for local elections, individuals trusted to deliver on promised policies and programs within their communities. He acknowledged the challenge of competing against VMRO-DPMNE in numerous municipalities, criticizing their mayors for alleged corruption and mismanagement.

He cited Skopje as an example, claiming the city suffers from a lack of public transport, unclean streets, and citizen-benefiting projects due to the mayor’s and VMRO-DPMNE’s perceived stubbornness and business interests, and stated that Skopje must become a metropolis again.

Filipche also condemned the current VMRO-DPMNE, ZNAM, and VLEN government, accusing them of incompetence, broken promises, and a lack of solutions to the country’s problems and said that the country has never had a more incapable government.

Filipche stated SDSM has an obligation to demonstrate readiness, motivation, and the ability to fight for the country’s well-being and return it to its European path.

He criticized the current government’s policies in agriculture, education, and health, as well as the perceived manipulation of citizens regarding worker salaries, and concluded that SDSM is strong, prepared, and unified in its commitment to restoring the country’s progress.

According to Central Election Commission President Branko Georgievski, Filipche received 18,001 votes out of 23,712 registered voters, with 139 invalid ballots. Internal party elections for SDSM president were initially scheduled for March 16 but were postponed due to a tragedy in Kochani.