A View from Skopje: A Civic State with a Government for the Citizens

By: doc. dr. Zijad Bećirović, Director of the International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) Ljubljana

I was in Skopje these days and had discussions with actors on the Macedonian political and public scene. There is a unanimous opinion that with the arrival of Zoran Zaev and the new Government of the Republic of Macedonia, relations within the southernmost former republic of the former common state have been relaxed. There is no shortage of optimism, and everything is ready for Macedonia's much-needed revival. One gets the impression that a new history of the Republic of Macedonia is being written.

The events in Macedonia in the last three years represent a unique case, as the regime was overthrown with a "pencil" in the elections, and before that, a strong partnership with the citizens was established through civic organizing in the form of the so-called Colorful Revolution and under the slogan "United in Diversity." It is precisely these diversities, which are visible at every step in Macedonia, that have been a new quality on the Macedonian scene, because you could be as much Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, Roma, Bosniak, or Serb as you wanted, and at the same time, with all these diversities, work for the prosperity of Macedonia. Literally, the citizens themselves overthrew a hated regime of the duo Nikola Gruevski and Saša Mijalkov, who are cousins.

And the question "What's up in Bosnia?" is almost inevitable. People in Macedonia follow events in Bosnia and Herzegovina with great attention but also concern. There is a similarity between the two countries in many aspects, as well as an indelible friendly connection. In Macedonia, most attention from BiH politicians is given to Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH. This is probably because he is a friend of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and they show him undisguised sympathy. However, there is a politician from BiH who is generally hated by the citizens of Macedonia, and that is Milorad Dodik. Not so long ago, in October 2016, Dodik tried to bring instability and unrest to Macedonia. He incited and persuaded the Serbs there, specifically in the Macedonian municipality of Stare Nagoričane, against the democratic forces and changes, thus showing undisguised support for Nikola Gruevski's regime. He even promised financial assistance to that municipality near Kumanovo, where the majority Serb community lives, during his visit. His support was in vain, as "his" candidate was defeated. In fact, it is not surprising that Milorad Dodik himself fears the Macedonian scenario the most. We must recall that there are two Macedonian scenarios. The first is the scenario of Nikola Gruevski and Saša Mijalkov, which is the dark, autocratic one associated with crime, corruption, nationalism, and neo-fascism. The second is the brighter, more prosperous Macedonian scenario, oriented towards common life and a more certain future, symbolized by Zoran Zaev and the citizens of Macedonia, and known as the "Colorful Revolution," which led to the overthrow of the hated regime.

As the elections in BiH on October 7 this year approach, Dodik's concern becomes greater and more pronounced. As the citizens of Macedonia say that the Bosnian Dodik irresistibly reminds them of Gruevski, I told them that Dodik himself has recognized this!

The extent to which Bosnia and Herzegovina is present in Macedonia is shown by the great interest in Skopje regarding the announced joint session of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and the Council of Ministers of BiH in Skopje on March 12 this year. Perhaps this is a unique opportunity for the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to experience Macedonian diversity and see how much more can be done and achieved for their country through unity in diversity. Macedonia is a fresh and convincing example of this. Macedonia is a civic state, and therefore it would be beneficial for some members of the Presidency of BiH (at least the chairman) to come with the Council of Ministers of BiH to see what a civic state looks like in action and how the new Macedonian Government, whose slogan is "Government for the Citizens," operates.

And now something about Macedonia's negotiations with Greece regarding the name dispute. A historic agreement is on the horizon. Both prime ministers, Greece's Alexis Tsipras and Macedonia's Zoran Zaev, took over the leadership of their countries at the most difficult times. Neither has any baggage or responsibility for why this issue has not been resolved in the past 26 years. A geographical designation before the name Macedonia can represent a compromise for both countries. The issue of identity and language is not and must not be a subject of negotiation. The message of the negotiations is that even the most difficult issues can be resolved if there are the right interlocutors who do not need to pander to public opinion but should look at and ensure the future of their countries and citizens. Both countries belong to the same civilizational circle, as Macedonia's aspirations are linked to full membership in NATO and the EU, and Greece is already there.

And while the view from Skopje inevitably seeks comparisons, the message is clear: Macedonia is moving forward rapidly, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is stagnating or regressing. Elections are near. Let's hope that after the October elections, BiH will also follow in Macedonia's footsteps. The spirit of Macedonia and its Prime Minister Zaev is already present in BiH and the region!