The North Macedonia Assembly continues debate on French proposal: What does it mean?

The dispute continues in the North Macedonia Assembly, launched the day before, for the adoption of the document known as the “French proposal” to resolve the conflict with Bulgaria.

Due to the large number of MPs submitted for the speech, the Assembly services warn that the session may not end Friday either.

The French proposal envisions overcoming differences between Skopje and Sofia, regarding the Macedonian language, identity and historical past.

Disagreements on these issues have caused Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union, to block the launch of northern Macedonia's EU membership negotiations for more than two years.

France's seven-point proposal requires concessions from both sides. Skopje, among other things, must commit to changing the Constitution, with the goal of recognising the Bulgarian minority as an equal nation.

The Macedonian government has supported the proposal, but not even the opposition, which -- now two weeks -- organises protests.

The point of the proposal, which has prompted most debate, is that of the Macedonian language. Sofia claims that the Macedonian language, by before 1945, had <x0 Bulgarian”, as well as the past of many historical figures whose identity is claimed by both states.

Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, in his speech to MPs who were whistled by the opposition, said the proposal guarantees the Macedonian language.

According to him, there will be no government to negotiate on issues related to Macedonian identity.

He called for the adoption of the French proposal, saying it is the only way to unblock European integration.

We will not allow, as in the past, the state and citizens to live in uncertainty, concern and continuous dilemmas, what will happen tomorrow. We will not allow the country to remain at the end of the Balkans, when all move forward despite problems it can have”, Kovachevski said.

He added that the Government he heads is committed to “standing on the road to the protection of Macedonian language, identity, historical and cultural features of the Macedonian people” through its “equity with European nations”.

But V deputies MRO DPMNE, the main Macedonian opposition party, remains in the stance that the proposal is harmful and will not pass.

“The curse of Macedonians is taking place, as in power we have quaslings who are willing to do anything, only to remain in power. They are willing to sell everything that is not their”, said Dragan Kovacki, V deputy MRO DPMNE's.

The North Macedonia Assembly on Thursday also addressed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the French proposal guarantees Macedonian and that no one should be concerned about his identity.

I've heard very carefully about your concern for language and identity. No doubt, Macedonian is your language. And we respect him fully. The modified proposal holds the Macedonian language without qualifications from the European Union. The protocol also respects your national identity. The principle of identity is of special importance to all of us. You can count on me”, said von der Leyen.

Adoption of the French proposal in the Assembly would mean holding the first intergovernmental conference between Skopje and Brussels, while chapters of Northern Macedonia's EU membership negotiations would begin only after constitutional changes.

MPs must approve a five-point conclusion, which is drafted by the ruling Social Democratic League (LSDM), which primarily concerns guarantees for Macedonian language and identity.

“The Assembly imposes Government on, through delegations in the talks, to hold on determining unconditional respect for the Macedonian people's language, identity and culture as elements not negotiated with the EU. In the framework of the talks, the Macedonian language is without clarification, without addition and without inserting”, says the document, which was presented by the LSDM Parliamentary Group.

In parallel with parliamentary debate, protests are under way outside the Parliament building in Skopje against the adoption of the proposal.

Northern Macedonia's Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on Thursday evening the detention of ten people suspected of involvement in various incidents, such as shooting strong items in the direction of the rule forces.

Even Friday, special police forces are guarding the institutions, both from land and air. /REL/