New Era for North Macedonia: The Impact of the Right-Wing Government on EU Integration and Foreign Relations

In North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has been elected as the next president. The ruling SDSM party has accepted defeat in both the second round of the presidential election and the parliamentary election. The leader of the center-left SDSM congratulated the right-wing main opposition party on its victory. It appears that Christian Mickoski, a right-wing leader, will become prime minister, while the more ceremonial post of president will go to Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who is a lawyer and professor by background.

The incoming government is likely to take a different approach to Bulgaria, Greece, and the Albanian minority compared to the current administration. This could have implications for North Macedonia’s foreign relations and domestic policies.

The right-wing party VMRO-DPMNE, which is coming to power, is opposed to the concessions that Bulgaria has demanded before North Macedonia would start EU membership talks. In his speeches, Mickoski has also criticized Greece and the country’s own Albanian minority.

It remains to be seen how these changes will impact North Macedonia’s path towards EU membership and its relationships with neighboring countries. The election results have already created tension between North Macedonia and its neighbors, with some fearing that this could lead to further instability in the region.

As North Macedonia begins a new era under a different administration, it will be interesting to see how it navigates these challenges and works towards its goals for EU membership and regional cooperation.