VMRO – DPMNE President along with other party and state leadership held an open debate in Veles in “Beli Mugri”.
Welcomed by a numerous audience, President Nikola Gruevski and other ministers spoke on several topics, each of their fields of work. Referring to all projects, President Nikola Gruevski first gave report about the promises and employment.
- We gave a promise that we will be a government that will work hard. We are a government that works 12, 15 hours a day, on weekends and holidays, giving our best to fulfill what we have promised. But most of the promises (80 % to 90 %) were fulfilled in extremely difficult circumstances, at a time when the ruling parties in Europe raised their hands of their promises. We did not do so. Each minister has an obligation to finish what he/she has promised, stressed Gruevski.
He talked about the target groups’ care, addressed to the pensions and social support increase, and noticed new increases over the next year.
Speaking of new Greenfield investments daily entering Macedonia, VMRO – DPMNE President noted that attracting foreign investors continues and will become a priority, and also talked about the new plant, which should be built in Veles and about the hard work for reduction of unemployment.
- We fight with all our forces to find a way to create jobs. We have invented many projects in a hard time to attract new companies and domestic and foreign investors. The ultimate goal of our economic policy is to open jobs. The opposition criticizes when and wants to make trouble, drama, etc. but they must have limits. They are making damage for themselves and also for the state. Investors are monitoring the situation and flee. I hope they will learn the lesson.
A German giant will open a factory in Veles. Their representative came here and said that they have made the first contacts with the Government 5 years ago, in 2008. The construction of the plant in Veles, which will employ 600 people, will begin in February or March. It is a good sign because it is also possible to open new facilities in the future, Gruevski said.
In the area of health, Gruevski said that large investments are made in the sector, but also training of professional staff. VMRO – DPMNE makes efforts for Macedonia to become a leader in the region in terms of expertise in health care.
- There is no other government that has invested so much in health care in Macedonia, but it’s not enough. We have invested EUR 100 million in equipment, EUR 100 million in reconstruction and construction of new hospitals. A project for doctors and medical staff modern training was implemented. We made an agreement with the top 40 hospitals, our plan was 500 people to be trained this year and it will be so. And so each year. Our goal is to become leaders in the wider region with professional staff in 5-6 years, noted President Nikola Gruevski.
Gruevski said that they are trying to find a solution to the name issue, but it is Greece that is disinterested and defocused, due to their internal problems.
- We are ready to start the negotiations with the EU and NATO and we will remain prepared, making reforms continuously, until they are ready to accept us, of course with full respect for our name and identity. As we have said in 2005, a compromise can only be reached with organizing a public referendum, in which all citizens will give their opinion, and the government will follow it.”
This was the last issue, discussed by the VMRO – DPMNE President, after which he was greeted with loud applause by the audience.