The US has said corruption continues to be a significant obstacle when it comes to North Macedonia’s progress, as well as the main reason why economic reforms fail and youth emigrate. A State Department official told VoA Macedonian that Washington’s message to the new government was the same as that to the previous cabinet: “Nobody is above the law; apply your existing tools and laws to achieve a greater result; and respect judicial independence. The people deserves its leaders and officials to be held accountable.”