North Macedonia's nationalist opposition began the search for a coalition partner on Thursday after voters frustrated by a lack of progress towards membership in the European Union ended seven years of rule by the Social Democrats.

Skopje

North Macedonia witnessed a dramatic shift in its political landscape as the nationalist Vimoro Dupamene party, under the leadership of their jubilant party leader, celebrated a significant victory in the parliamentary and presidential elections. The electoral success signals an end to the seven-year governance of the Social Democrats, amid public dissatisfaction with the country’s stagnating pursuit of European Union membership. The election results were marked by scenes of revelry among supporters in the nation's capital, signifying the party's triumph.

The Vimoro Dupamene party's victory was further underscored by the election of Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, a university professor endorsed by the party, as the first woman to assume the more ceremonial role of president in North Macedonia. This occurrence stands as a notable milestone in the country's political history. The outcome of the elections represents a significant setback for the Social Democrats, prompting a commitment to introspectively analyze the causes behind their electoral defeat. 

The motivation for the electorate's shift in support can be attributed to the slow pace of development under the Social Democrats, leading to disillusionment among the populace. Over the last two decades, North Macedonia has experienced a considerable population decline, with approximately 10 percent of its inhabitants emigrating in search of better opportunities. The lack of progress in the country’s bid for EU membership has only compounded the frustration felt by many citizens. Analysts remain skeptical about any imminent advancement toward EU accession with the Vimoro Dupamene party in power, particularly due to the party leader's refusal to alter his stance on the contentious issues with Bulgaria that have previously impeded North Macedonia's EU negotiations.



North Macedonia right-wing nationalists sweep to victory

Scenes of celebration in North Macedonia's capital, as supporters of the country's right-wing opposition hailed the party's victory in parliamentary and presidential elections. Among the revelers was the Vimoro Dupamene party leader, who spoke to the crowd not long after his party's win. Macedonia is free. Macedonia will be eternal. Everyone who thought they could ruin Macedonia, cause it harm and humiliation, will be held responsible and end up in a landfill. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, a university professor backed by the winning party, secured the more ceremonial role of president, becoming the first woman in the country to hold the position. The results mark a blow for the Social Democrats, who had been in power for seven years. Today's result is disappointing. In the next period, we will analyse these results in detail. Of course, in the coming months, we will have to put in more serious and deeper efforts to find the source and the reasons for this defeat. Slow development has turned voters against the ruling party, and with few opportunities for young people, North Macedonia has lost around 10 percent of its population to mass emigration over the past 20 years. Many have also grown frustrated with the country's stalled EU bid. But analysts don't expect any significant progress towards EU membership under Vimoro Dupamone. Its leader has pledged not to change his stance in a row with Bulgaria over linguistic and historical issues that has previously led to Sofia preventing North Macedonia's EU accession talks.

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