Political tensions in North Macedonia escalated over alleged UK plans to deport rejected asylum seekers to the country, with opposition Social Democratic Union (SDSM) leader Venko Filipche accusing the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party of secret negotiations and warning of potential security and social risks.
Filipche called on citizens to oppose what he described as the “anti-state and anti-national behavior” of the government, linking the alleged plans to a broader debate over a €6 billion credit that, he said, would burden future generations. He also raised concerns that migrants could be used as a political tool in upcoming elections.
VMRO-DPMNE Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski dismissed the allegations, stating that “as long as I am prime minister, no refugee tent will appear in Macedonia.” Mickoski framed the opposition campaign as politically motivated and baseless, promising stricter monitoring of borders through a proposed “Safe Country” initiative to prevent illegal migration.
The dispute follows media reports in the UK suggesting formal discussions between Skopje and London to relocate rejected asylum seekers, with potential financial incentives for Macedonia and possible investment support. According to reports, migrants could receive work visas or residency but would not be forcibly detained. The UK embassy in Skopje did not confirm these reports, instead emphasizing ongoing strategic cooperation with Macedonia on political, economic, and security issues.
VMRO-DPMNE lawmakers have rejected claims that migrant camps are planned, highlighting the UK-Macedonia strategic partnership as focusing on infrastructure, economic development, security, and education, but not refugee settlement.
Analysts note that the issue exposes deep partisan divides and reflects broader European concerns over migration management, integration challenges, and the political use of migration narratives ahead of elections. (BV)