Opposition SDSM on Monday claimed that the renewed debate over the language of the Minority Rights Plan is a deliberate attempt by VMRO-DPMNE to stall North Macedonia’s EU integration.
The party further argued that raising the issue of whether the document should be in Macedonian or another language shifts focus away from reforms and obligations, creating new points of conflict with official Sofia.
SDSM stressed that such disputes are politically motivated and serve to slow down accession progress. Moreover, it urged institutions to remain focused on implementing commitments under the 2022 European consensus, rather than allowing the language question to dominate the agenda.
According to SDSM, this tactic undermines the country’s European trajectory and distracts from the real work needed for integration. VMRO-DPMNE responded that SDSM is no longer in power because it “compromised the Macedonian identity, language, and history”, citing changes to the flag, name, and Constitution.
The ruling party described SDSM’s achievements as “a shame for citizens”, adding that voters entrusted VMRO-DPMNE to lead the country into the EU without undermining the will of the people.