President Stevo Pendarovski spoke at the online Summit for Democracy, convened by US President Joe Biden. In his remarks, Pendarovski spoke against the “rise of populism and authoritarian tendencies that are making democracy vulnerable”.

There is no alternative and we should not waste a minute: revitalizing democracy is essential to handle this unprecedented challenge of our lifetime. We are fully aware that our security, prosperity, and fundamental rights and freedoms are interconnected. (North) Macedonia fully supports the main cause of this gathering and is willing to recommit itself to the very fundamentals of the free world, Pendarovski said, adding that it is important to defend “our way of life” against authoritarian states, to fight corruption and to ensure free media and a strong civil society.