Eurasia Press & News
Macedonia’s capital Skopje ground to a halt late Sunday as thousands of supporters poured in from across the country to attend the central election rally of the ruling conservative VMRO DPMNE party and its coalition “For a Better Macedonia”, ahead of presidential and local elections.
The party organised buses and trains to bring in its supporters to the capital.
The party’s presidential candidate – who is leading in the opinion polls – George Ivanov used the opportunity to rebuff the thesis of the main opposition Social Democrats that the party leads the country in to isolation and poverty by refusing to seriously engage in solving the ongoing name row with Greece.
“I say that Macedonia is not isolated, divided and it is not poor. Macedonia is strong and respected outside because it is united inside. That’s why I am happy that I will be president to all,” Ivanov said.
The prime minister and VMRO DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski said the fight against the current global economic crisis would be easier if the government has partners in the presidential cabinet and on the local level.
“We are aware that many problems should be solved and the government will continue to solve them with great commitment. It will depend on municipalities whether we will conduct more projects at a local level,” Gruevski said.
The coalition also presented its candidates for municipal mayors.
The opposition Social Democrats meanwhile meanwhile accused the ruling party of misuse of the state railway system as the extraordinary trains carrying supporters to the capital were dispatched prior to the event. VMRO said that the trains were properly booked.
The election is seen as a test for the country’s democratic credibility will be held under close monitored.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe yesterday issued its election campaign report in which it stated political rhetoric has so far been correct and that the preparations for election day are going well.
