Political leaders in North Macedonia on Friday commemorated Ilinden, one of the country’s most significant national holidays, by honoring past sacrifices and calling for unity, dignity, and a firm commitment to a European future.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said from Skopje that the day serves as a reminder of the generations who fought for an independent state.
“Let their sacrifice guide us in building a prosperous, safe, and inclusive homeland for all – regardless of ethnic background. Ilinden must unite us and endure through generations,” Mickoski said after laying flowers at the monuments of Nikola Karev, ASNOM, and Metodija Andonov–Cento.
In Smilevo, Minister for Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski reflected on the courage of the Ilinden fighters, rooted in poverty, repression, and division.
“Historic steps are not made when times are easy, but when they are necessary. They didn’t wait for better days – they made them,” Andonovski said during the memorial gathering, attended by Deputy Finance Minister Nikolche Jankuloski and Deputy Environment Minister Ane Lashkoska.
From Krusevo, SDSM leader Venko Filipče said Ilinden laid the foundation of modern Macedonian statehood and called for continued efforts toward European integration.
“Our work is far from over. It will take much more effort to become part of Europe – culturally, civilizationally, and geographically. True patriotism means advancing our country,” Filipče said.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, in her message, described Ilinden as “a story written in blood and tears, with defeats and victories.”
“A republic is not inherited – it is earned. Ilinden is a quiet oath to those who embedded their fate into the foundation of the state. Long live the Macedonian republic,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.
Ilinden marks two key milestones in the country’s history: the 1903 Ilinden Uprising against Ottoman rule and the 1944 ASNOM assembly, considered foundational events in the struggle for Macedonian statehood.