XHABIR DERALLA
If the past 365 days were difficult for the Macedonian citizens to digest, then the meals that will be served to them bythe year ahead will be unbearable. But perhaps it is precisely the time when they realize at least two things.
- The citizens decide, everyone for themselves, and everyone together for the fate of the society and the state. They will decide where the country will be headed amidst the world winds. They also decide about the world, that global village as they have called it for a long time now.
- Polarization, nationalism and corruption lead to a downward spiral of poverty and violence, uncertainty and disintegration. Disinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech are tools in the hands of the architects of evil in the world. All others are losers –both those who spread them and those who are victims.
A little wisdom and calmness
In order to face the hurricane of new and “inflated” old problems, all people need is to find at least a little wisdom and calmness. Then they will realize they can no longer afford the luxury to believe in conspiracy theories and disinformation.
Science accompanies us even in the smallest detail of everyday life and is here to continue and improve life. The institutions, no matter how they are, exist to serve the public interest. They should be used.
They will rightly say that most institutions do not function well and are still trapped by incompetence, inefficiency and corruption. But the institutions are people, the same people that sit in cafes in broad daylight (there is no place in them because of employees in the administration). With the same two-three party membership cards in the pocket. And a wallet that gets filled out of taxes and bribes that are given by who else – if not the citizens.
Many suffer in different ways, precisely from those people in the institutions. It’s also true that administration workers spend a good part of their working time on fulfilling party and personal agendas, instead of on serving those from whose money they live. All that is true, the institutions are the only refuge for the people. All else leads to parallel worlds of shadows and crime.
The small, fragile rowboat, North Macedonia
This small, fragile rowboat, North Macedonia, will endure only if everyone in it and in harmony shut the holes through which water is gushing from the overflowing rivers of world, regional and domestic problems. Political will for building a successful (one) society (for all) will not helpalone, if people are dashing into a false embrace of proven thieves and notorious sowers of fear, discord and violence.
Progressive people in politics, the media, civil society and the institutions must not flatter nationalists anymore. If they give in to the dark anti-democratic offensive, there is no hope for anyone, not even for the nationalists and anti-democratic undisciplined soldiers.
The world is on the verge of chaos
According to some world analysts, the world is on the verge of chaos. Wisdom, calmness, maturity, science, and even luck will be needed to save itself from the dark prospects. Tinkling of weapons can be heard on all sides of the region and the world.
Poverty and hunger will remain everyday companions of increasingly more people. Climate change will bring new troubles. The pandemic will last.
Cyber threats, the energy crisis, migrants, vaccines and abuse of democratic institutions will be perfected as weapons of the hybrid war.
A year of opportunities
On the other hand, ahead of us is a year of numberless opportunities. Further digitalization of every aspect of life will give opportunity for development of new businesses. Acquiring new knowledge will be enabled with new and accessible tools and platforms.
Opportunities for earning money online, by working from home, are unlimited. Digital connection and trade with services and goods with the entire world has long been a reality that brings huge profits, and in the coming period will develop even more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will experience a new quantum leap in development. With all the dangers hiding in the development of AI, it hides endless opportunities and potentials for development in itself.
Social capital…
It is destroyed much faster than it is built. It’s cheaper to destroy than to create. Only few benefit from destroying. Those who don’t have good intentions for people, but only for themselves and their gang profit from disinformation and conspiracy theories.
Social capital that is created by progressive politicians, intellectuals, the media and organizations will create also opportunities for creating and increasing real capital. Not the opposite. Going in the opposite direction will only bring more uncertainty and tensions.
It seems beyond belief, but that is the only way to overcome the great challenges. By nurturing, respecting and practicing European and green values to development. Those who have learned this lesson, note successes, those who think that all answers lie in the economy – fail.
To remain human
In a year when the only certainty is that it will be extremely uncertain, everyone has the opportunity to contribute to building a better society. But only if people are in solidarity and open for cooperation and association. People decide, no matter how much they think they are insignificant. In fact, propagandists succeed thanks to the inferiority of people, their feeling of powerlessness and insignificance. Why allow them that?
For 2022, several simple “positions” are crucial. Equality and fairness, peace and security, respect and cooperation. It’s easy to remember, a bit more difficult to achieve, but is the only way to remain human and to live in a dignified manner.
Good luck!
Translation: N. Cvetkovska
