Kostadin Kostadinov, spokesman for the ruling SDSM party, denied that its officials are abusing state resources, vehicles and staff, to organize the rallies held as part of their pre-election campaign.

Both top parties, SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE, are conducting campaigns in preparation for the possible early elections in March or April. But, while VMRO relies on its own resources, SDSM has control over the administrative state, including the ability to pressure public sector workers to show up for their rallies.

No public official is using budget funds for our party campaign. We have an obligation to present what we have accomplished before the citizens and our party members. We are assuring the public that the Republic of “North” Macedonia is “on the right path”, Kostadinov said, using the party campaign slogan.