- Title: N.Macedonian PM urges snap election
- Date: 19th October 2019
- Summary: SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA (OCTOBER 19, 2019) (REUTERS) NORTH MACEDONIAN PRIME MINISTER ZORAN ZAEV STARTING NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Macedonian) NORTH MACEDONIAN PRIME MINISTER, ZORAN ZAEV, SAYING: "Two days ago in Brussels, a huge injustice was inflicted. The European Union hasn't delivered on what it promised. We met all our obligations. We delivered reform results and resolved disputes with our neighbours. But they didn't stand by their word and have not delivered. By being unable to reach the decision on starting the (membership) talks with us is their historic mistake." REPORTERS AT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Macedonian) NORTH MACEDONIAN PRIME MINISTER, ZORAN ZAEV, SAYING: "The fact that we're victims of the European Union's historic mistake sparks bitterness among all of us. I, too, am disappointed and angry and I know that our entire population feels the same way." CAMERA LENS (SOUNDBITE) (Macedonian) NORTH MACEDONIAN PRIME MINISTER, ZORAN ZAEV, SAYING: "Now your voice is needed. We have no time to loose and that's why my proposal is to quickly organise early elections. Elections, as soon as possible. Elections in which you, the citizens, will decide and confirm which way our country should go."
- Embargoed: 2nd November 2019 16:10
- Keywords: North Macedonia PM calls for snap election EU North Macedonia elections Zoran Zaev
- Location: SKOPJE, MACEDONIA
- City: SKOPJE, MACEDONIA
- Country: Macedonia
- Topics: European Union,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001B1RIVRB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev called on Saturday (October 19) for a snap parliamentary election after the European Union failed to give his country a date to start talks on joining the bloc.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (October 18) led a group of leaders who blocked opening talks with Albania and North Macedonia, despite concerns over increasing Chinese and Russian influence in the Balkans.
Speaking at a news conference, Zaev said he was disappointed and angry and called on citizens to choose the way which the country should go.
Parliament must approve any snap election, but Zaev's centre-left coalition has a majority and the opposition also backs an early poll.
Zaev said party leaders would discuss the issue on Sunday (October 20) evening with President Stevo Pendarovski.
(Production: Marjan Ognenovski, Boki Babic, Suzana Sabljic, Louisa Naks) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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