State Statistical Office Director Apostol Simovski says the repeated claim by the opposition that the Census, the Law on Census and its methodology are not in accordance with European standards were soundly denied by last week’s statement of the Eurostat spokesperson, who confirmed that the law and methodology fully comply with international standards.

“Therefore, I would not go onto any further discussion on the issue because this leaves room for manipulation,” Simovski told TV24.

He also refers to the diaspora count, saying the country is faced with the brain drain problem.

“We want to create policies to stop this brain drain and create better conditions so that people stop emigrating but also to bring a part of the population back to the country,” says Simovski.