The first Albanian Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, revealed in an exclusive interview with Euronews Albania the priorities of the 100-day government he will lead until the next parliamentary elections.<\/p>\n
Asked by journalist Thimi Samarxhiu if there were any objections from certain ministers at the first government meeting, Xhaferi revealed that decision-making was in line with the laws, without objections, and with the presence of all ministry leaders. He added that the only minister absent was the Minister of Labor and Social Policy from VMRO-DPMNE, represented by the deputy minister, due to personal commitments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of citizen perception and what political parties proclaim is another matter; the issue of government functioning is different and has been in accordance with procedures. All ministers were present, except for the Minister of Labor and Social Policy from VMRO due to daily obligations, not because he refused, but the other minister had a problem. There is no problem in that direction, in our rules here, and according to the government law, when the respective minister is absent, the deputy minister from that ministry has all the powers and rights as the minister, so there were no absences in decision-making. The deputy minister\u2019s stance is definitive as if he were the minister,\u201d said Xhaferi.<\/p>\n
Xhaferi revealed that the priority of his government is the smooth functioning of the electoral system, as well as the continuation of the declared program of the previous government led by Prime Minister Dimitar Kova\u010devski.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of government functioning does not apply to the prime minister\u2019s individual priorities but is based on the priorities of the government program, which has passed parliamentary procedures, as the government\u2019s election revolves around the program. The priorities set out in the government program, which was in place, are the continuity of this program, plus the obligation to organize, conduct, and implement the electoral process has been added. These should be my priorities, but according to dynamics, we must deal with daily issues as well as with the regular flow of government work,\u201d said Xhaferi.<\/p>\n
He added that one of the problems citizens face, which his government will address, is the expiration of identification documents due to the Ohrid Agreement and the name change.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current problem for citizens is the issue of personal documents because we are on the verge of the expiration of previous documents, in accordance with the Prespa Agreement, fulfilling the changes corresponding to the change of the country\u2019s name. Since the first session and its conclusion, the debate on the possible analysis of solutions has begun. A relevant working group has been established to conduct a general analysis, and I believe that by the next session, we will have a clearer vision of possible solutions that will be definitive solutions, and if we have definitively solutions, we will address those concrete solutions that go beyond the current needs and problems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Speaking of the parliamentary elections expected to be held in May, the prime minister described them as a key moment for the future of North Macedonia.<\/p>\n
Xhaferi emphasized that the future parliamentary majority, whatever it may be, will continue North Macedonia\u2019s European path, as it is the will of the citizens leading it.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsidering the phase of approximation to the euro-integration process, it is a crucial moment because the 2024 elections will also be indicative of the continuation of work for the implementation of the European path. I believe that the transparent path has no alternative as it is a strategic determination of both citizens and state institutions since the first parliamentary composition after secession from Yugoslavia. The first parliamentary composition has determined two strategic issues for our path from the separation from Yugoslavia, accession to NATO and the European Union. We are now members of NATO; we are in the continuous process towards the European Union. All subjects should orient themselves in that direction because there is no possibility of reverting the entire process. Because things have moved forward, and it will not be beneficial for citizens to think that there might be a backward return. I do not believe that the future parliamentary majority will differ from the path that has started now and has been going on for three decades,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Regarding Russia\u2019s influence in North Macedonia\u2019s elections, Xhaferi did not rule out such an occurrence but added that all measures have been taken and will continue to be taken.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of external influences is not a novelty that can only occur in electoral issues; it is always seen, directly or indirectly. In terms of direct interventions, the relevant institutions have taken direct measures by expelling diplomats; the indirect part that cannot have preparation, due to incorrect information. Expectations are that false information will increase,\u201d emphasized Xhaferi.<\/p>\n
He stated that in the coming days, there will be a meeting with the head of the secret service regarding Russia\u2019s influence in North Macedonia.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs prime minister, I have all the powers. There will be a meeting in the coming days based on the competencies I have,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Touching on his relationship to Kosovo\u2019s Prime Minister, Xhaferi stated that he has not received any personal congratulatory messages from Albin Kurti, but he has received them from institutions.<\/p>\n
In terms of institutional aspect, he emphasized that communication will be ongoing, implying that he doesn\u2019t have a personal rapport with Kurti.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the region, I have many counterparts. There are no obstacles to mutual communication. It\u2019s not for me to comment on Kurti\u2019s political decisions. In institutional relations, there are no obstacles, and there won\u2019t be any. There will be no obstacles in institutional communication. We represent the citizens, and my relationship with the citizens of Kosovo cannot be based on the personal relationship of the political subject representing the Prime Minister in Kosovo. So, there is no difference and no barriers to communication, and there won\u2019t be any barriers from my side. All basic institutions have congratulated me through social networks. I have not received any congratulations from Serbia, neither official nor personal. It\u2019s a matter of diplomatic behavior; it doesn\u2019t impress me on a personal level,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Xhaferi was asked by journalist Thimi Samarxhiu about the Open Balkan initiative and whether he would continue the accession to it under his leadership.<\/p>\n
Xhaferi emphasized that he would participate in Open Balkan meetings to discuss all the needs in economic agreements.<\/p>\n
\u201cOpen Balkan has not closed its work; they were in Skopje earlier this week in the context of Open Balkan and in the context of the Western Balkans Conference. There is no reason not to be part of the rules set in the economic aspect. Political communication has been open and in favor of Open Balkan, there have been no obstacles. The economic aspect, which is the basis of Open Balkan, the recent agreements signed for the movement of labor force. All countries in the region lack labor force, so there are issues to discuss and issues within the Berlin Process corridors, so there is no need for communication interruption,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n