North Macedonia’s foreign policy appears “chaotic and incomprehensible,” sending signals of improvisation after its controversial voting decisions on UN resolutions regarding the war in Ukraine, opposition leader Venko Filipče of the Social Democratic Union (SDSM) said at a press conference on Monday.
Filipče criticized the government for deepening confusion by co-sponsoring a U.S.-backed resolution at the United Nations but later abstaining during the vote. “In global politics, where every move matters, such irresponsibility does not go unnoticed,” he said.
“It would have been much wiser to vote in favor of both resolutions. That would have demonstrated a principled and stable decision, strengthening our position and partnership with both the EU and the U.S. These two resolutions do not contradict each other; rather, they complement one another,” Filipče added.
According to him, countries like France, Germany, and Italy supported the U.S. resolution. “The question remains: why didn’t we?” he asked, adding that the government failed to explain why it voted differently from the rest of Europe if it claims full alignment with the EU.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski defended the government’s actions, explaining that the abstention came after an amendment to the U.S.-sponsored resolution was accepted. “The U.S., as the main sponsor, voted to abstain after the amendment’s inclusion. We were fully coordinated with them and did the same,” Mickoski said during a visit to Negotino.
Mickoski also dismissed opposition criticism, claiming SDSM lacks credibility, especially regarding international relations and ties with the Trump administration. “Some opposition leaders still live on warm sandy beaches, unaware they are in the opposition and will remain there for a long time,” Mickoski remarked.
Filipče maintained that the government’s foreign policy lacks strategy and coordination, calling for clarity on the purpose of Mickoski’s recent visit to the U.S. and discussions with the incoming Trump administration.
He further expressed concern over the latest Freedom House report on civil rights and political freedoms in North Macedonia, warning of worrying trends that could threaten democracy and freedom of speech.
Filipče referenced past protests during the “Colorful Revolution,” asserting that the public would not hesitate to take to the streets again if democratic processes are undermined.
North Macedonia has sought to strengthen its Euro-Atlantic integration since joining NATO in 2020 and is a candidate for EU membership. The government’s alignment with Western partners, particularly on issues such as the war in Ukraine, remains under scrutiny domestically, as political divisions persist over the country’s foreign policy direction.
