North Macedonia will hold local elections on Sunday, which are widely seen as a test of the government’s standing and the country’s frustration over a long-stalled bid for European Union membership. The elections come amid ongoing public discontent over the stalled EU accession process, which has left the country in limbo for several years.
President Stevo Pendarović, who leads the ruling Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), faces mounting pressure to address the nation’s economic and political challenges. The government has been accused of being too slow in implementing reforms required for EU membership, which has fueled public frustration and skepticism toward the ruling party.
Analysts suggest that the election results could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and its prospects for EU membership. A strong showing by the ruling party may signal continued public support for its EU aspirations, while a loss could indicate growing disillusionment with the current government’s approach to the EU bid. The outcome of the elections will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, who are keen to see how the public responds to the continued delay in EU accession.
Meanwhile, the European Union has expressed its commitment to eventually admitting North Macedonia, but has called for greater progress on reforms. The country’s leaders have faced criticism for not meeting the necessary criteria, which has hindered the EU’s ability to move forward with the accession process. The local elections are therefore not just a domestic affair but also a significant moment in the broader context of North Macedonia’s European integration efforts.