Opposition leader Hristijan Mickoski called on the outgoing Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to break his silence on a series of anti-corruption and political reform proposals made by the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party. These include a ban for persons receiving presidential pardons to engage in politics, and thorough investigation of the origin of the wealth of politicians and their families.

We made proposals to amend the electoral code in line with European standards. These would introduce the Spitzenkandidat position which will make it clear that the losing candidate will leave politics. I also proposed to enhance democratic procedures and the rule of law. These were met with silence from the opposite side, and this silence can only be seen as endorsing crime and undermining the rule of law. My proposals include a ban for recipients of presidential pardons to engage in politics. This was left unanswered, which is understandable, given that Zaev is the only person in politics who has received pardons, Mickoski said.

Another proposal, the opposition leader said, would be to enshrine the principle of investigating the wealth of politicians and their families in the Constitution. This comes after it was revealed that the brother, cousin and other relatives of Zaev had their businesses take off under his rule, even as Zaev himself is reporting modest earnings and wealth.

I call on Zaev again, if he really believes in the rule of law and the fight against crime, and if he wants our country to go forward, accept these proposals, Mickoski said.