INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
![zoran_zaev](https://defenceredefined.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/zoran_zaev.jpg)
The developments in Northern Macedonia are cataclysmic after the crushing defeat of the ruling Social Democratic Party (SDSM) of Zoran Zaef in the second round of the municipal elections held on Sunday.
Zoran Zaef said late at night that he was taking responsibility for the defeat of his party and that he would resign his position as the country’s Prime Minister and party leader.
The big winner in the municipal elections was the right-wing opposition VMRO-DPMNE, whose leader, Christian Mickoski, said that Zoran Zaef’s government had lost the trust of the people and claimed that now the situation in the country allows for early elections.
Election results
In the second round of municipal elections participated a total of 44 municipalities, the most important being the Skopje metropolitan municipality (700,000 inhabitants), in which candidate Danella Arsovska, independent but openly supported by VMRO-DPMNE, won by 14 percentage points of the outgoing mayor of Skopje and re-candidate of SDSM, Petre Silegov.
VMRO-DPMNE also prevailed in other major municipalities in the country, such as Bitola (Monastery) and Ohrid, while in Kumanovo, the second-largest municipality in the country, an SDSM “guerrilla” candidate prevailed.
In the Albanian political camp, Ali Ahmeti’s DUI, the largest Albanian party in northern Macedonia, also suffered a crushing defeat in the country’s largest “Albanian” municipality: Tetovo, where Teuta Arifi’s candidate was defeated by the leader of the smaller Albanian ruling party, BESA, Bilal Kasami.
Also read: Libya | Parliamentary elections postponed until January, presidential elections to be held 24/12
Scenarios
The resignation of Zoran Zaef from the position of Prime Minister does not necessarily mean the holding of early parliamentary elections in Northern Macedonia. Zaef himself, in his resignation statement, reiterated that the current government still has 2.5 years until it completes its term and must continue its work.
The current government retains a parliamentary majority, albeit a small one (supported by 62 of the 120 members of the country’s legislature). Therefore, the largest party in the ruling coalition, the SDSM, in consultation with its governing partners, may appoint a new Prime Minister, who should secure a vote of confidence from Parliament.
However, it is not ruled out that one of the smaller parties in the ruling coalition may decide to withdraw its confidence in the current government and “switch” to the opposition and VMRO-DPMNE, which, in this case, could lead to a new government, without elections.
In case neither of the two scenarios is realized, early parliamentary elections will be called in the country. In this case, according to the current legislation, a temporary government must be formed 100 days before the elections, which will lead the country to the elections.
The only thing that is certain is that as of today, Northern Macedonia has a resigning government.
Also read: Greece – United Kingdom | Relations strengthening
The first reactions
Prime Minister Zoran Zaef is under strong pressure from his government partners in Skopje who urge him not to resign. On Monday afternoon, the leaders and Vice-Presidents of the pro-government parties met with Zoran Zaef and discussed political developments, asking him to immediately withdraw his resignation.
Both Ali Ahmeti’s Albanian DUI party and the smaller DPA (Albanian), DOM, LDP, and NSDP parties in the ruling coalition have said that they strongly disagree with Zaef’s resignation and the call for early elections.
Albanian Vice-President Artan Grubi, who publicly asked Zoran Zaef to reconsider his decision, said only the current government could resolve differences with Bulgaria so that negotiations with the EU could begin. “We should not allow any adventures in these fragile times not only for our country but for the whole region,” he told the media.
The opposition VMRO-DPMNE, the big winner of the recent municipal elections, is asking Zoran Zaef to submit his resignation to Parliament in order to either form a new government or call early elections.
With information from: euronews.gr, First Issue, defenceredefined.com.cy
Also read: Parliament of Catalonia | Recognises Kurdish Administration in Syria
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
Freddy Beleris | Ιn jail until October
The elected mayor of Heimarra and Member of the European Parliament of New Democracy will remain in prison until October…
Ukraine | Satellite images depict destruction of Russian drone base
Ukraine claims that satellite images show the destruction of a Russian warehouse used to launch Iranian-made drones and train cadets.
EU | Accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova officially kick off Tuesday
EU Finance Ministers meeting in Luxembourg formally approved the framework for negotiations with the two candidate countries…
EUROSATORY 2024 | Missile Artillery Solutions from MBDA
With such a large number of interested attendees at MBDA’s pavilion at the Eurosatory 2024 Defence exhibition, the stand reminded of an…
KNDS | Showcases full range of LEOPARD battle tanks at EUROSATORY
KNDS continues to expand its technological advantage in the field of main battle tank development, as we have witnessed at the Defence and…
THEON SENSORS | Distinguishing appearance at EUROSATORY 2024 with new range of products
THEON SENSORS attended the International Defence and Security Exhibition EUROSATORY 2024 as an ambassador of Greek innovation…
Ministry of Defence | Organization of Hellenic EDF Info Day
A Conference entitled “EDF Info Day” is organized in the Amphitheater of the National Gallery on Tuesday, July 9 from 09:00 to 17:00.
ALTUS LSA | Participates in EUROSATORY 2024 with KERVEROS in the foreground
The participation of ALTUS LSA in EUROSATORY 2024 is among the Greek participations of operational significance.
Freddy Beleris | Ιn jail until October
The elected mayor of Heimarra and Member of the European Parliament of New Democracy will remain in prison until October…