SDSM President Venko Filipche addressed accusations from Albanian political parties that a recent meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski signaled mono-ethnic cooperation, clarifying the meeting’s purpose and participants. Filipche emphasized that the meeting included leaders from the two largest parties in the Macedonian bloc, SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE.

Filipche defended the meeting, stating Prime Minister Mickoski was the first and only leader to accept the invitation without reservation. He countered accusations of ethnic bias by highlighting the diverse representation within SDSM’s executive board, including Albanian, Macedonian Muslim, and soon, Roma members.

Filipche reiterated a public call for a leaders’ meeting involving all major political parties, emphasizing the importance of unity over ethnic divisions when addressing the state’s interests.

The SDSM President noted the meeting with the Prime Minister was constructive, resulting in an agreement to form joint bodies focused on preparing laws for the reform agenda, particularly concerning the judiciary, energy, and strategic healthcare projects. These laws are expected to be presented to the Parliament.