Victory of National Conservatives in North Macedonia Elections Signals a Shift in Approach to EU Accession and Domestic Challenges

In recent years, North Macedonia has made significant compromises for EU accession, including changing its own name. However, the frustration over the lack of progress remains high in the country. This was evident in the recent parliamentary elections, where the national conservative VMRO-DPMNE party won a landslide victory, falling just short of an absolute majority in the 120-member parliament. The Social Democrats, who were previously in power, now only hold 18 seats in parliament.

The VMRO also emerged victorious in the second round of presidential elections, with their candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova receiving a significant majority of votes. The frustration with the EU is partly due to the lack of progress in the accession negotiations, as well as the ongoing disputes with Greece and Bulgaria.

The lack of transparency in negotiations with Bulgaria, as well as the distrust and reservations among the population, have added to the frustrations. The election results also reflect the dissatisfaction with the poor governance and lack of progress in the country. The victory of the VMRO party signals a shift in government and potentially a new approach to the ongoing challenges facing North Macedonia.