I am very concerned about the latest developments. The President’s decision to exempt politicians and officials accused of gross misconduct from criminal prosecution is detrimental to the rule of law and legal certainty. This decision contravenes the Przino Agreement concluded by the various FYROM parties and undermines the work of the special prosecution service and its mandate to investigate all claims that power has been abused.

The priority now must be to redouble efforts to establish the jointly agreed minimum conditions so that credible elections can nonetheless be held in the near future.