Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has launched a sharp critique of opposition leader Venko Filipçe, labeling him a "political illiterate" during a public address regarding the country's EU integration process.
The tension stems from conflicting statements regarding the deadline for the Western Balkan Reform Agenda. While critics suggested the deadline expired on June 1, the Prime Minister insisted that the actual cutoff for meeting these requirements is June 30.
"I regret it when political illiterates dare to make such comments, as the deadline is not June 1, but June 30. This is elementary ignorance," Mickoski stated.
Defending his government's track record, the Prime Minister asserted that North Macedonia is the current "frontrunner" in the Western Balkans. According to Mickoski, the country has outperformed its neighbors, with Albania ranking second and Montenegro third in the region.
He noted that this progress has enabled the country to utilize a larger share of available EU funds. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister expressed strong optimism that at least 90% of the required reforms—including those currently in a "grace period"—will be successfully fulfilled by the end of the month.
