North Macedonia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
67 / 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit
46 / 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
North Macedonia is a parliamentary republic. The country continues to struggle with corruption, and while the media and civil society participate in vigorous public discourse, journalists and activists face pressure and intimidation.
Research & Recommendations
North Macedonia
Partly Free
67
100
| PR Political Rights | 28 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 39 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
67
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
North Macedonia is a parliamentary republic. Unstable government coalitions are common, as are early elections. The government continues to struggle with corruption and clientelism. While media and civil society participate in vigorous public discourse, journalists and activists still face pressure and intimidation.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
North Macedonia
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
46
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 46.43 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 3.79 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
48
100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
An atmosphere of heightened political tension pervaded North Macedonia in 2023. The government, comprised of a coalition led by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) and two Albanian parties, the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) and the Alliance for Albanians (AA), continued a protracted standoff with the opposition, including the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE) and the fast-growing Levica (the Left) party. This political polarization stems from deep divisions among the major political parties following the downfall of Nikola Gruevski's government in 2016. In 2017, VMRO-DPMNE attempted to block the formation of a new government by storming the parliament, which worsened these divisions. Tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition intensified during the adoption of the Prespa Agreement in 2018, which resolved the longstanding name dispute with Greece. In 2022, hostilities peaked when the government accepted the “French proposal,” which paved the way for North Macedonia to begin EU accession talks once it incorporated ethnic Bulgarians into the constitution. In 2023, the opposition vehemently opposed constitutional amendments designed to include ethnic Bulgarians in the constitution as required by the EU. The opposition rejected the amendments and said it would “not accept alterations imposed under a Bulgarian dictate.” Both parties exchange accusations: SDSM labels VMRO-DPMNE as anti-EU, while VMRO-DPMNE charges SDSM with national treason, crime, and corruption.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Policy & Advocacy
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
67
/ 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit Score
46
/ 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Population: 2,058,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
