Venko Filipče, leader of LSDM, believes the Trump administration could provide concrete assistance in unblocking North Macedonia’s EU accession process.
Venko Filipče, leader of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (LSDM), expressed optimism that the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency could lead to tangible assistance in unblocking North Macedonia’s stalled European Union accession process.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Filipče proposed that the Macedonian government explore strategic dialogue with the U.S. to facilitate negotiations with the EU.
“Through the framework of strategic dialogue, the U.S. could find a way to concretely assist in negotiations or in unblocking the process. Let them try to make a difference in this regard—I have no doubt about the support we are receiving from the U.S.,” Filipče stated.
Filipče recalled that the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party came to power with promises to revise the EU negotiation framework and secure guarantees. However, he noted that the EU has signaled that constitutional changes cannot be postponed indefinitely.
He emphasized that if the government secures better negotiating positions with the EU, the social democrats would support it.
“We are now speaking with Brussels, with the EU—not with Bulgaria. But if the government achieves progress and secures sufficient guarantees for the future, we will support it. However, we are losing time. Bulgaria now has a political government, yet we see no initiatives for meetings to improve our position. I urge the government to act swiftly so we know where we stand,” he added.
Call for Judicial Reform
Filipče urged the government to adopt the new Penal Code, modeled on Germany’s judicial system, in line with recommendations from the EU’s evaluation mission and the reform agenda.
“When we already have something on the table, why not work on it? Let’s make real reforms. We will support any reform in the judiciary that has a real impact. Otherwise, it would just be a government trick to push through a solution that yields no effect,” he argued.
Criticism of Healthcare Management
Filipče also criticized the government’s handling of the healthcare sector, describing it as highly irresponsible.
He pointed to the ongoing crisis at the Oncology Clinic, where patients lack access to biological therapy amid political clashes.
“This is about political persecution and the undermining of trust in the healthcare system. There is a total lack of interest from both the management and the Ministry of Health in effectively overseeing the clinics,” Filipče concluded.