VMRO-DPMNE has strongly criticized SDSM, accusing them of hypocrisy and of damaging Macedonian national interests during their seven-year rule. The party claims SDSM signed humiliating agreements that denied the distinctiveness of the Macedonian language.

VMRO-DPMNE’s reaction comes in response to what they perceive as feigned concern for the Macedonian language on the part of SDSM. They argue that SDSM should remember their own actions while in power before criticizing others.

VMRO-DPMNE specifically points to statements made by Zoran Zaev, former leader of SDSM, who allegedly claimed that Macedonians and Bulgarians are the same people and that their languages are identical. The party believes that these actions have permanently damaged Macedonia’s standing.