The political adventure of the President of Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, and of VMRO-DPMNE has continued! Ivanov decided not to give the mandate for a new government to the opposition leader Zoran Zaev. However, while Zaev accused Ivanov of attempted coup and not respecting the Constitution, VMRO-DPMNE reinforced the nationalistic rhetoric on its political agenda, responded to the calls of its leader Nikola Gruevski, and went on mass protests.
In addition to the administration, even part of the medical staff that instead of white coats is wearing party uniforms, left their working places to “defend” the unity of Macedonia. But, what is frustrating is that even high school student are involved in this political adventure, handing out leaflets, going from house to house of famous journalists or eminent public figures and provoking incidents.
The peace and security in the country are slowly slipping “through the fingers” of those competent! The situation is a confirmation to this, especially in the capital of the state. Just last week, there were many incidents in Skopje, verbal, physical and bloody settling of scores with a different background, delinquency, spreading of interethnic hatred…Hate speech in the media has marked the highest level in this past decade, during VMRO-DPMNE’s ruling. The social media are media of ethnic, religious, and national catharsis of the citizens, who have “put” a red line, marking the polarization of views. Regress and decadence, these are “attributes” of Macedonia’s society, which is sinking in metastatic crime, corruption and informative darkness.
The international community assesses that the situation is tense and recommends that it must not get out of the institutional framework.
Ivanov did not give the mandate, DUI decides to enter SDSM government
President Ivanov after long consultations, as he has said, with experts on the constitution, decided for the “good” of the nation and the state, not to give the mandate to the leader of SDSM, Zoran Zaev, who was entrusted by his fellow party members to be the new designate for the new government.
Following long consultation, the DUI Presidency decided not only to give their signatures for the mandates, but also for the party to actually become a coalition partner of SDSM.
Contrary to them, the membership and supporters of VMRO-DPMNE organized themselves in a civil initiative “For a Joint Macedonia”, which in protests throughout several cities in the country manifested its revolt against the Platform of the three Albanian parties/coalitions, against bilingualism, against the changing of the anthem, the flag and coat of arms of Macedonia. At least, according to what they have said at the gatherings. At one of them, in Veles, the Metropolit Agatangel also spoke. This, nevertheless, also raises the question of Macedonia’s social system, which should function on a secular basis. Part of Macedonia’s public reminds that the Macedonian Orthodox Church is in a very close relationship with VMRO-DPMNE, especially since large amounts of money have been invested in churches and monasteries in the past decade, while social assistance for socially vulnerable families has not increased at all for years.
The media – generators of hate speech
Macedonian media are not only polarized, but moreover, most of them, those who are close to the government, are generators of hate speech, with the greatest intensity until now. An objective media discourse with a balanced approach in the process of informing can barely be heard on 4-5 mainstream media both in Albanian and in Macedonian, which are not enough for creating an objective image of the Macedonian socio-political reality.
Media crews have been attacked and injured by members of the crowd that is protesting “for defending the unity of Macedonia”. Journalists are provoked in various ways, some are spit on, others receive threatening messages on their addresses, a university professor was insulted, and he in return slapped one of the provocateurs.
According to the pro-democratic public, these incidents are coming from the kitchens of the political structures, well-known from the so-called “bombs”, who were ordering “slaps for mayors” and were threatening with throwing families in ditches…
International community recommends for tensions to calm
Chief of EU diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, at a meeting with President Ivanov asked him in person as well, for him to withdraw his decision and to give the mandate for a new government to the parliamentary majority with 67 seats, formed by SDSM’s MPs and the Albanian parties. She recommended that the tensions in Macedonia should be settled down immediately, and that this extremely sensitive situation should not compromise the security of the country and the region.
Same messages were sent to President Ivanov also by the British and French diplomacy, by the US Embassy in Skopje…They all recommend that the Euro-Atlantic future of Macedonia is necessary, that the work of the SPO has to continue, and that the new government of SDSM and DUI should continue the reform projects.
Monika Taleska
