Protestors Call on Macedonia PM Gruevski to Step Down

Thousands of people have arrived in Skopje to join the protest rally called by the Macedonian opposition on Sunday with demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevsku.

The protest action in front of the government headquarters, led by opposition Social Democrats (SDSM) of Zoran Zaev, is backed by several civil organizations.

The protestors marching towards the government building include citizens of the Macedonian capital as well as major cities such as Prilep, Stip, Strumica, Ohrid and Veles.

According to Macedonia's MIA news agency, ethnic Albanians, which make up nearly a quarter ot the country's population of about two million people, also are taking part in the protest action.

The organizers have pledged the protest will be non-violent. Several members of the European Parliament are expected to deliver speeches at the rally, according to MIA.