Draft-Law on Defenders Causes Tensions between MPs

The Draft-law on Material Security for Defenders stirred up tensions in the parliament between the government and the opposition.

The Draft-law is proposed by SDSM MP Slavjanka Petrovska, and it foresees payment of a single transaction of 82,000 euros, instead of 1,200 euros per month, for soldiers who fought in the armed conflict in 2001 and were left with 100% effective handicap as a result of it. PM Hristijan Mickoski said that with this draft-law SDSM only intend to provoke tensions.

“The defenders always had and always will have my support, but this draft-law is filed by SDSM not because they wish good for the defenders, but with intention to provoke inter-ethnic tensions,” Mickoski said.

SDSM leader Venko Filipce said that his party will support the adoption of the draft-law, emphasising that they are ready to endorse any decision that improve the quality of life of all citizens.

From DUI on the other hand, they do not support the adoption of the draft-law, and accuse VLEN that by accepting the draft-law they compromise the rights of Albanians in the country. Deputy PM and VLEN member Izet Mexhiti wrote on Facebook that the draft-law will not be adopted.