Protest actions in Macedonia

03.03.2017

The neoliberal opposition, with Western support, is escalating political crisis.

Patriotic front

In Skopje, Stip, Kicevo, Veles, Kavadarci, Prilep, Kumanovo, Negotino and other Macedonian cities, rallies were organized by citizens initiative groups united under the slogan "For a common Macedonia". The participants demanded recognition by the EU of the state under the name Republic of Macedonia, the organization of negotiations on the country’s accession into the EU and NATO (that seems strange, cause EU and NATO also are source of problems for Macedonia), calling out the Prime Minister of Albania and Brussels for interfering in the internal affairs of the Republic, and "preventing the betrayal of Macedonian national interests".

EU pressure

As usual, the EU is trying to direct this crisis and use democratic rhetoric. High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of the EU, Federica Mogherini during her brief visit to Skopje on Thursday afternoon said: “Political parties must restrain themselves from any rhetoric that could lead the country to a cross ethnic or political conflict. Political players must be aware of the fact that Macedonia is a multi-ethnic state and the rights of everyone must be respected. For those who don’t know me, I promote the integration of the entire region in EU structures. Politicians must continue with their negotiations for the creation of the government. The situation is complicated and political leaders must do everything to come out of it. I think that it is possible to achieve a parliamentary majority in order for this institutional crisis to be overcome”. She pressed Macedonian authorities to give a mandate to the party led by Zoran Zaev.

Soros' fingerprint

Zoran Zaev, a key figure of the opposition, is funded by George Soros and supported by Western powers. He is trying to implement a pro-Albanian policy in Macedonian politics that is rejected by the majority of citizens.

President Ivanov has refused to give the mandate to Zaev, because his intentions are against the sovereignty of Macedonia.

Russian response

In a statement of the Russian foreign ministry, it was noted: ”The West, via the hands of the Albanian minority, is trying to bring to power in Skopje a defeated opposition who subscribed ultimatum for the demands of the Albanians, leading to the erosion of the country's constitutional foundations. The ongoing destructive attempts to impose this circus from outside, contrary to the will of the Macedonian voters, can only aggravate the situation. It is necessary to stop foreign interference in the internal affairs of Macedonia, respect the right of Macedonian citizens to decide their own destiny in accordance with fundamental democratic principles".