North Macedonia

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.