For two consecutive weeks in April, mass protests have spread across Macedonian capital and towns lead by civil society #Protestiram (#IProtest) movement, which has facilitated the mobilization of citizens and various groups demonstrating their discontent with the pardon of 56 high-ranking officials by the President and the lack of reforms that were defined in the Przhino Agreement signed by the main political parties in summer 2015, including cleaning of Voter’s List, freedom of the media and end to party pressure and misuse of public administration. The protests that have evolved under the slogan od “Colorful Revolution” and “No Justice, No Peace” have attracted between 5.000-10.000 people every day lead by ideas of personal freedoms, democracy, solidarity and justice. With lack of response from decision-makers and institutions, civil society and citizens are demanding their involvement in resolving of the crisis. The idea of an EU-led ‘citizens’ summit’ involving the big parties and the civil movement could revive a much-needed dialogue, which, over the past ten years, has completely vanished from Macedonia’s political scene. If dialogue including the civil society is not introduced as a solution, the consequences of this deadlock will leave the country in serious jeopardy and create instability for years to come. More information is available here.
Source: Balkan Insight
