Zoran Zaef is still with his back to the wall
The development of today's sitting in the Macedonian Parliament on constitutional changes is expected with particular interest. Zoran Zaef is still with his back to the wall, despite the fact that yesterday he appeared optimistic that he will be able to gather a two-thirds majority, in order to proceed with the process of amending the Constitution.
He called, through Facebook, the deputies to make the right decision. "Colleagues, let us say YES to the perspective that opens before us. "History remembers the right decisions," he wrote in his account, at the same time that - according to the neighbor's state news agency - the crucial vote is likely to take place today in the Macedonian Parliament.
It is recalled that the consent of at least eight members of the official opposition is needed. Nevertheless, VMRO-DPMNE insisted that even today none of its MPs will vote for the Zaef government's proposal to amend the Constitution, which leads to the change of the country's name. He even called on the prime minister to accept his defeat and go to the polls.
In addition to the persuasive power of the Skopje prime minister, the Americans are rushing to contribute, sending US Assistant Secretary of State for Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer. Palmer is scheduled to travel to Skopje on October 22nd to discuss US support for the Prespa Accord and the importance of Macedonia's reform program.
At the same time, the neighboring country continues to monitor domestic political developments. Although the takeover of the Foreign Ministry by the Prime Minister sent a clear message regarding the determination of the Greek government to do everything in its power to successfully complete the Prespa Agreement, Zoran Zaef felt additional pressure. He even canceled a scheduled speech at a security forum in Belgrade, and felt the need to calm down.
Asked by reporters about yesterday's conversation with Alexis Tsipras and the resignation of the Greek Foreign Minister, Zoran Zaef said, among other things: "Together with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, we remain fully committed to the prospects of the new Balkans of the 21st century. The Balkans that will build friendship, which will promote cooperation and contribute to the improvement of economic development and the development of our countries ". It seems, however, that the vote to start the process of changing the Constitution is in a hurry.