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North Macedonia's Local Elections: Identity, Rights, and VMRO-DPMNE's Challenge

10/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

North Macedonia will hold local elections Sunday to test VMRO-DPMNE's strength amid stalled EU membership.
Voters in 80 municipalities, including Skopje, will elect mayors and municipal councillors.
The race has shifted from local issues to national concerns of identity and minority rights, with the nightclub fire affecting voter sentiment.
Analysts predict VMRO-DPMNE may perform better than in previous elections.
The opposition SDSM aims to reclaim support by addressing EU obligations.

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Story summary

North Macedonia will hold local elections Sunday to test VMRO-DPMNE's strength amid stalled EU membership.
Voters in 80 municipalities, including Skopje, will elect mayors and municipal councillors.
The race has shifted from local issues to national concerns of identity and minority rights, with the nightclub fire affecting voter sentiment.
Analysts predict VMRO-DPMNE may perform better than in previous elections.
The opposition SDSM aims to reclaim support by addressing EU obligations.