Politics of the Republic of Macedonia

Next year could be pivotal for the resolution of a longstanding dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) regarding the Balkan state's official name, diplomatic sources have indicated to Kathimerini.

Former Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski and several other former ministers from his former ruling VMRO DPMNE party told Friday's hearing in the Appeals Court that they have no intention of fleeing and reject the charges of election rigging pressed by the country's Special Prosecution, SJO.

FYROM’s new reformist government faces it first big test after a small coalition partner, the DPA – Movement for Reforms, said it would quit the Social Democrat-led government if it fails to adopt a law extending the official use of Albanian by early September.

Just one month since its election, the new government led by the Social Democrats, SDSM, has announced the revision of several expensive, controversial projects.

They include a new medical centre in Skopje, two stretches of highway funded by a Chinese loan and the grand revamp of the capital commonly called "Skopje 2014".

The Special Prosecution, SJO on Thursday announced charges in 17 cases, demanding the arrest of former premier Nikola Gruevski, former Interior Minister Gordana Jankuloska, former Transport Minister Mile Janakieski, former government secretary-general Kiril Bozinovski and Gruevski's former cabinet chief Martin Protugjer.

The leaders of Albanian parties in Macedonia - now part of the government led by Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev - gathered on Wednesday in Skopje to make sure the so-called "Albanian platform" becomes part of the new government's agenda.

After a prolonged absence, UN envoy Matthew Nimetz is to visit Macedonia from Sunday to Monday, Macedonia's national broadcaster MRTV reported on Tuesday, citing sources in Washington. 

During Nimetz's visit, he is set to meet with top Macedonian officials, although it is not yet known whether he will bring any new proposal for a mutually acceptable name for Macedonia to the table.

Talks with EU on key reforms, trials of politicians and the likely raising of new charges against former officials will make for a packed agenda in Macedonia this week.

The visit of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to Bulgaria was a positive step in bilateral relations, while the signing of the friendship treaty will be a sign about a new type of relations, political scientist Daniel Smilov told Focus Radio.

The common history must bring together two countries, not divide them, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva told Bulgarian National Television with regard to the visit of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to Bulgaria.
She said there is mutual trust and goodwill at a high level between the two countries.