European Commissioner Johannes Hahn told Macedonia not to hold early general elections. In an interview with the state run MIA news agency, Hahn says that his “modest advice” is to avoid the vote.

The country should use the very positive moment created with the Prespa treaty because our goal is that it can receive a decision to open accession talks during the summer and to open the first chapters by the end of the year. This can only be done if everybody is really focused on achieving the necessary progress, Hahn said.

VMRO-DPMNE calls for early general elections in spring, when the presidential elections should be held. This would prompt a resignation from Prime Minister Zaev and appointment of opposition officials to key departments so they can ensure that the elections are free and fair.

Asked about the series of amnesties given and being given to members of Parliament who voted in favor of renaming the country against the politically driven charges they faced, Hahn said that the rule of law will have to be upheld in the course of the EU accession talks, but that these amnesties should be welcomed.