A majority in the Macedonian parliament voted on September 11 against a no-confidence motion launched by the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party against Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov.

Dimitrov is one of three ministers from the new Social Democrat-led cabinet to become the subject of a no-confidence motion filed by VMRO-DPMNE before the government had been in office for 100 days. 

Dimitrov was accused by VMRO-DPMNE of concluding a “harmful” friendship treaty with Bulgaria and for working against the country’s national interests. However, Dimitrov, who was an ambassador in the previous VMRO-DPMNE government, is one of the most active ministers in the new Social-Democrat led government and his efforts have been praised by EU officials.

The motion was rejected by 56 votes while 43 voted in favour, news agency MIA reported.

MP and former foreign minister from VMRO DPMNE Antonio Milososki said that the treaty with Bulgaria was the main reason for filing the motion, while others reasons included Dimitrov’s move to block the appointment of an ambassador to EU which had been approved by the previous government, and for his overall stance in foreign relations.

Milososki also mentioned the migrant issue, which he said is a burning topic in Europe.

“We have information that Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary are required to increase their capacities to receive migrants and provide housing and welfare rights, Milososki said.

Milososki accused Dimitrov of failing to present a clear position on the issue.

The alleged plans by the new government to build apartments for migrants have been heavily criticised by VMRO-DPMNE. 

Dimitrov was also accused of careerism, taking account that, as Milososki said, he was present in all previous governments, “regardless of whether Ljubco Georgievski, Branko Crvenkovski, Nikola Gruevski or Zoran Zaev was PM”.

Dimitrov responded that he was surprised that the non-confidence motion was filed before the new government had been in office for 100 days, underlined that he had a busy agenda having made 27 visits abroad and met 37 foreign ministers and hundreds of officials.

About the treaty with Bulgaria, Dimitrov said that it is “not ideal”, but it protects Macedonia’s key national interests and creates a climate of confidence.

“The opposition don’t want to recognise the success of the new government which signed a treaty that promotes Macedonia’s international reputation,” a MP from SDSM Tomislav Tuntev told the parliament. 

Dimitrov also said that the recent diplomatic scandal with Serbia was overcome very quickly and that relations will improve. On August 23, Macedonia and Serbia agreed to mend their strained relations, days after Belgrade recalled its embassy staff from Skopje in protest at what it said were “offensive actions” against Serbian institutions.

Dimitrov, who has met his Greek peer Nikoz Kotzias twice, also said that the solving of the name issue is crucial for Macedonia. Greece is blocking country’s bid to join Nato and EU as the name “Macedonia” is shared by a Greek province. 

The new government is making efforts to improve relations with all neighbours as a way to get the needed support in its EU integration process.

“Our government opted for a policy of finding solutions and not a policy of not solving the problems,” Dimitrov was cited.

The lawmakers are to hold a session on September 12 to discuss non-confidence motions against Minister of Labour Mila Carovska and Agriculture Minister Ljupco Nikolovski.