BNT envoys in Skopje: It is not yet clear when North Macedonia’s government will consider the French proposal

Seventh day of protests in Skopje against the "French proposal". There is no clarity yet when North Macedonia’s Assembly will consider the package of documents.

Blockades were planned for today from 13.00 to 14.00. One was around the government building in Skopje. The others will be in towns such as Shtip, Prilep, Velez and other major settlements.

The protests are organised by the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party, which is against the French proposal. According to the protesters, this document aims to "Bulgarianize" the country.

Recent polls show that around 70% of citizens are against the proposal, as they believe it is an affront to their national identity. One of the conditions in the package of documents is that North Macedonia should start negotiations with the EU once the Bulgarians are included in the constitution as a nation-building people.

Reference is also made to the bilateral protocol with Bulgaria concerning history, textbooks and hate speech.