In May 2015, protests occurred in
Skopje
Skopje ( , , ; mk, Скопје ; sq, Shkup) is the capital and List of cities in North Macedonia by population, largest city of North Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic centre.
The territory of Sk ...
,
Republic of Macedonia
North Macedonia, ; sq, Maqedonia e Veriut, (Macedonia before February 2019), officially the Republic of North Macedonia,, is a country in Southeast Europe. It gained independence in 1991 as one of the successor states of Yugoslavia. It ...
, against the incumbent
Prime Minister
A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister i ...
Nikola Gruevski
Nikola Gruevski ( mk, Никола Груевски, pronounced ; hu, Nikola Gruevszki; born 31 August 1970) is a Macedonian politician who served as Prime Minister of Macedonia from 2006 until his resignation, which was caused by the 2016 Mace ...
and his government.
Protests began following charges being brought up against
Zoran Zaev
Zoran Zaev ( mk, Зоран Заев, ; born 8 October 1974) is a Macedonian economist and politician who served as prime minister of North Macedonia from May 2017 to January 2020, and again from August 2020 to January 2022.
Prior to entering ...
, the
Social Democratic opposition leader, who responded by alleging that Gruevski had 20,000 Macedonian officials and other figures wiretapped, and covered up the murder of a young man by a police officer in 2011.
[Macedonian protesters demand resignation of cabinet, clash with police](_blank)
Reuters (May 5, 2015). A protest with up to 2,000 attendees occurred on May 5, seeing clashes between activists and
police
The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder. Their lawful powers include arrest and th ...
.
Several ministers, including the
interior minister, resigned during the protests.
[Macedonia on high alert as protests grow over wire taps scandal]
''The New Zealand Herald''. Glen Johnson. Published May 16, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015. Gruevski himself refused to step down, saying on May 16 that "if I back down it would be a cowardly move. I’ll face down the attacks.”
Protests continued through the month, and a large gathering of anti-government protestors was held in Skopje on May 17.
[Wire-tap scandal brings thousands out against Macedonian leader]
Reuters. Matt Robinson and Fatos Bytyci. Published May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015. The number of protesters that turned up on Sunday, May 17 is estimated in the tens of thousands (40,000+). Zaev claimed that the number of attendees at the rally on Sunday was more than 100,000 (between 100,000 and 120,000).
''The New York Times
''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid d ...
''. Published May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015. On May 18, a large pro-government rally occurred of Gruevski's supporters, said to be in the tens of thousands.
Estimates put pro-government supporters at around 30,000.
[Tens of thousands rally for Macedonia PM as opposition digs in]
''Yahoo News''. Published May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015. On May 19, Gruevski and Zaev met for talks, with several members of the
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union (known as the Council and informally as the Council of Ministers), it adopts ...
also present, in
Strasbourg. The negotiations lasted for twelve hours but resulted in no agreements. On his return flight to Macedonia, Gruevski's plane made an emergency landing in
Zurich after decompression in the air occurred.
Background
Events escalated after the April 2014
general election, in which Nikola Gruevski and his ruling party defeated Zoran Zaev and his
Social Democratic Union of Macedonia
The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia ( mk, Социјалдемократски сојуз на Македонија – СДСМ, ''Socijaldemokratski Sojuz na Makedonija'' – SDSM, sq, Lidhja socialdemokrate e Maqedonisë – LSDM) is a ...
. Zaev stated that SDSM would not recognize the elections as legitimate and claimed that the government abused the system. Later, the government accused Zaev of planning a coup on January 31, 2015, and conspiring with a foreign intelligence service. They claimed that they obtained documents in which he conspired with the British ambassador. He responded by releasing information which alleged that Gruevski had 20,000 Macedonian citizens wiretapped
and covered up the murder of a young man after the election in 2011, amongst other claims.
The beginning of the protest further set back Macedonia on its path of joining the
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been de ...
, which it has been attempting to do since 2005.
Student and high school protests
On 10 October 2014, thousands of students took to the streets against a government plan to replace university-run examinations with state 'testing', accusing the government of infringing the autonomy of the country's universities Similar protests also happened on 17 November and 10 and 25 December 2014. Academics supported the students' claims and Students Plenum, an ''ad hoc'' organizing committee, denied government claims that Zaev's opposition
Social Democrats
Social democracy is a political, social, and economic philosophy within socialism that supports political and economic democracy. As a policy regime, it is described by academics as advocating economic and social interventions to promote so ...
were behind the protests. High school pupils have also protested against the changes on 19 March, 1 April, 6 May and 7 June 2015, and boycotted the classes in April and May 2015.
The event
Initial protests
Between 5,000—6,000 people showed up in a protest in Skopje on Tuesday, 5 May 2015. Protestors demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Gruevski and his cabinet. Police responded by clearing out the protest with
tear gas
Tear gas, also known as a lachrymator agent or lachrymator (), sometimes colloquially known as "mace" after the early commercial aerosol, is a chemical weapon that stimulates the nerves of the lacrimal gland in the eye to produce tears. In ...
. A number of police officers were injured, with conflicting reports putting the figure between 10—38.
At least 19 protestors were injured.
Protests continued across the country, and
a skirmish occurred on May 9 in the town of
Kumanovo
Kumanovo ( mk, Куманово ; also known by other alternative names) is a city in North Macedonia and the seat of Kumanovo Municipality, the largest municipality in the country. Kumanovo lies above sea level and is surrounded by the K ...
, northwestern Macedonia, between
Albanian militants and Macedonian police. The skirmish resulted in several deaths. On May 16, the government prepared for more actions as protests continued.
Gruevski stated to the pro-government Sitel TV on Saturday that "if I back down it would be a cowardly move. I’ll face down the attacks.”
May 17
Large crowds gathered to protest on May 17, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Gruevski, who refused and said a rally of supporters will occur on May 18.
The number of protesters was estimated to be in the tens of thousands, more than 30,000.
Zaev claimed that the protesters numbered 50,000, and said that some of them would remain there for days until Gruevski resigns.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been de ...
diplomats offered to mediate a solution to the crisis.
Counter-protest
Later, tens of thousands appeared on the streets on Monday, May 18, at a pro-government rally. The total count of pro-government supporters was estimated to be between 30,000 and 70,000. The rally appeared to be peaceful and no clashes occurred between the two.
Negotiations
Gruevski and Zaev met in
Strasbourg for talks on May 19, held for about twelve hours, along with several members of the
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union (known as the Council and informally as the Council of Ministers), it adopts ...
. They made no progress, and a new meeting was scheduled for a later date.
[Macedonia's political rivals talk about crisis amid EU meditation; plan new meeting next week](_blank)
Daily Journal. Published May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2015. Gruevski (VMRO-DPMNE), Zaev (SDSM), Ahmeti (DUI) and Thaci (DPA) met on 2 June in Skopje mediated by the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations
Johannes Hahn
Johannes Hahn (born 2 December 1957) is an Austrian politician who has served as European Commissioner for Budget and Administration under Ursula von der Leyen since 1 December 2019.
He previously served as European Commissioner for European Ne ...
. Early general elections in April 2016 were announced.
Aftermath
Reactions
Domestic
Three government officials, two ministers and the intelligence chief, resigned during the protests.
Those three included Interior Minister
Gordana Jankuloska
Gordana Jankuloska (, ; born 12 October 1975) is the former 10th Interior Minister of the Government of North Macedonia. She was a Minister in four cabinets of Nikola Gruevski
Nikola Gruevski ( mk, Никола Груевски, pronounced ; ...
, Transport Minister
Mile Janakieski Mile Janakieski is a Republic of Macedonia politician. He served as Minister of Transport and Communications in the cabinet of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski until 12 May 2015.
Biography
In fall 2009 Janakieski offered his resignation to Prime Mini ...
and intelligence chief
Saso Mijalkov
Lady Saso () is said to be the mother of Hyeokgeose of Silla. Also known as the ''Sacred Mother of Mt. Seondo'' (Hangul:선도산), legends say she was a princess from the Chinese royal family. Having coming from China and settling upon the Jinh ...
, who is also the Prime Minister's cousin. In his resignation letter, Mijalkov said that he hoped it would "help in overcoming the political crisis imposed by the opposition". Gruevski refused to step down, and said on May 16, "if I back down it would be a cowardly move. I’ll face down the attacks.”
Gruevski appeared at the head of a large pro-government rally on May 18 in Skopje, with tens of thousands showing up in support of the government.
The political crisis which began with the wiretapping incident continued into 2016, with Gruevski ultimately resigning and being replaced by
Emil Dimitriev as the Prime Minister of Macedonia as a result of the
EU-brokered
Pržino Agreement. The investigation into Gruevski and other politicians from VMRO-DPMNE was stopped in April 2016 by
President
President most commonly refers to:
*President (corporate title)
* President (education), a leader of a college or university
* President (government title)
President may also refer to:
Automobiles
* Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ...
Gjorge Ivanov
Gjorge Ivanov ( mk, Ѓорге Иванов, ; born 2 May 1960) is a Macedonian politician, who served as the 4th President of North Macedonia from 2009 to 2019.
Early and personal life
Born at Valandovo, Ivanov finished primary and secondary sc ...
, which resulted in several protests.
International
*
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world's largest regional security-oriented intergovernmental organization with observer status at the United Nations. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, pro ...
— The OSCE ambassador in Macedonia, Ralf Breth, expressed concern about the protests. He stated that "the right to peacefully gather and protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right of all citizens in the country. However, such protests should not be marred by violence."
[New protests in Macedonia follow violent clashes]
Albeu.com. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
* — Ambassadors of
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its metropolitan area ...
,
Germany
Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
,
Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...
, and the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
issued a joint statement warning that the inability of Mr Gruevski's government to address the numerous allegations of government wrongdoing threatened to undermine Macedonia's ascension to the EU.
The
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union (known as the Council and informally as the Council of Ministers), it adopts ...
has also offered to host a negotiation in
Strasbourg.
* —
Edi Rama
Edi Rama (born Edvin Kristaq Rama, 4 July 1964) is an Albanian politician, painter, writer, former university lecturer, publicist and former basketball player, who has served as the 33rd and current Prime Minister of Albania since 2013 and chair ...
, the
Prime Minister of Albania
The Prime Minister of Albania ( sq, Kryeministri i Shqipërisë), officially styled Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania ( sq, Kryeministri i Republikës së Shqipërisë), is the head of government of the Republic of Albania and the mo ...
, stated that his country would block Macedonia's ascension to NATO alongside
Greece
Greece,, or , romanized: ', officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece shares land borders ...
if it does not make further efforts to fulfill the
Ohrid Framework Agreement. On May 27, 2015, during a press conference with Serbian prime minister
Aleksandar Vucic
Alexander is a male given name. The most prominent bearer of the name is Alexander the Great, the king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires in ancient history.
Variants listed here are Aleksandar, Al ...
, Rama denied allegations that he would block Macedonia's accession to NATO, and that his statement had only symbolical meaning.
* — The
Prime Minister of Bulgaria,
Boyko Borisov, met with Zoran Zaev in
Sofia
Sofia ( ; bg, София, Sofiya, ) is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. It is situated in the Sofia Valley at the foot of the Vitosha mountain in the western parts of the country. The city is built west of the Iskar river, and h ...
, at the invitation of the
Bulgarian Socialist Party. The prime minister stated after the meeting that he was against the federalization of Macedonia.
* — The Russian government blames the events unfolding in Macedonia on foreign influence.
Sergey Lavrov
Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov (russian: Сергей Викторович Лавров, ; born 21 March 1950) is a Russian diplomat and politician who has served as the Foreign Minister of Russia since 2004.
Lavrov served as the Permanent Represe ...
, the
Minister of Foreign Affairs
A foreign affairs minister or minister of foreign affairs (less commonly minister for foreign affairs) is generally a cabinet minister in charge of a state's foreign policy and relations. The formal title of the top official varies between co ...
of Russia, stated on May 19, “we’re very concerned, the Macedonian events are fairly crudely managed from outside. It’s very sad and dangerous that, to undermine Gruevski’s government, the Albanian factor is being applied.”
* — The
U.S. State Department said it has been following the situation "closely" and spokesman Jeff Rathke stated that "we remain in close consultation with the Macedonian government and with political leaders to convey our concerns about the current political crisis."
US voices 'concerns' at Macedonia's political crisis
''The Economic Times''. Published May 19, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
See also
*2016 Macedonian protests
In April 2016, protests began in the Republic of Macedonia against the incumbent President Gjorge Ivanov and the government led by the interim Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev from the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party. Referred to by some as the Colorful Rev ...
"Colorful revolution"
*2017 storming of Macedonian Parliament
Storming of the Macedonian Parliament, also known as Bloody Thursday ( mk, Крвав четврток, Krvav četvrtok) occurred on 27 April 2017, when about 200 Macedonian nationalists (some of whom were members and sympathizers of VMRO-DPMNE ...
*List of protests in the 21st century
This is a list of protests in the 21st century.
Revolutions and uprisings Plants (Colour) revolutions
* Rose Revolution (Georgia, 2003)
* Tulip Revolution (Kyrgyzstan, 2005)
* Cedar Revolution (Lebanon, 2005)
* Orange Revolution (Ukraine, 2 ...
* 2014-15 Macedonian student protests
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Macedonian protests, 2015
Modern history of North Macedonia
Macedonia
Macedonia
Macedonia
June 2015 events in Europe
May 2015 events in Europe
Politics of North Macedonia