North Macedonia’s nationalist opposition party, VMRO-DPMNE, emerged victorious in the recent parliamentary election, ending the seven-year rule of the Social Democrats. With over 42% of the votes, VMRO-DPMNE secured 58 seats in the 120-seat parliament, signaling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
In a surprising turn of events, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, backed by VMRO-DPMNE, won the run-off for the presidency, defeating the incumbent supported by the Social Democrats. This historic win makes her the first female head of state in North Macedonia.
The election results reflect voter frustration with the slow progress towards EU membership, as well as concerns about corruption and development issues. The nationalist leanings of VMRO-DPMNE have raised some eyebrows, with worries about potential strain on relations with neighboring EU countries.
Despite these concerns, VMRO-DPMNE is now in search of a coalition partner to form a new government. Possible allies include the Albanian alliance VLEN/VREDI and the ethnic Macedonian splinter group ZNAM. Talks are expected to take place in the coming days to solidify the new government.
Analysts in Skopje are calling this election an “epic victory” for VMRO-DPMNE, and the ruling Social Democrats have already conceded defeat. As the country prepares for a new chapter in its political history, all eyes are on the formation of the new government and the direction it will take North Macedonia in the years to come.