During their phone conversation earlier today, VMRO-DPMNE President Hristijan Mickoski told EPP party leader Donald Tusk that Macedonia is mired because of the politicized judiciary, placed under control of the Zaev regime.

We discussed the high level of crime and the involvement of top Government officials in criminal activities that remain unpunished. We can’t progress with corrupt judiciary, we can’t have fair elections with bribery and double standards. It is not normal to have a frightened, aggressive Government pushing laws to meet its personal goals on the back of the citizens, Mickoski told Tusk, according to the party press release.

Tusk, who is the former head of the European Council, issued a statement calling on Zaev to end political influence over the judiciary, ensure that the country fights corruption and to make sure the October municipal elections are fair.

Fruitful call with Hristijan Mickoski, leader of EPP member party VMRO-DPMNE. We discussed legitimate concerns of the opposition and I underlined local elections must be free and fair. Ruling party must cooperate with opposition, strengthen independence of justice and tackle corruption, Tusk said after the conversation with Mickoski.