2016 Macedonian protests
| 2016 Macedonian protests "Colorful Revolution" | |||
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| Date | 12 April 2016 — ongoing | ||
| Location | Mostly in Skopje, Macedonia, also in Bitola, Strumica, Kumanovo and other cities | ||
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| Goals |
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| Methods | Protests and demonstrations, Internet activism | ||
| Parties to the civil conflict | |||
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In April 2016, protests began in the Republic of Macedonia against the incumbent President Gjorgje Ivanov and the government led by the interim Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev from the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party. Referred to by some as the "Colorful Revolution"[2][3] (Macedonian: Шарената револуција), the protests have started after the controversial decision by President Gjorgje Ivanov to stop the investigation against former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and dozens of politicians who were allegedly involved in a wiretapping scandal.[4][5] The demonstrations were organized by "Protestiram" (I protest) and supported from coalition lead by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia, and other opposition parties, led by opposition leader Zoran Zaev, demanding that the government resigns for the formation of a technical government, and that the parliamentary elections planned for 5 June 2016 are cancelled, on the grounds that the conditions for free and transparent elections are not in place.[6] The government and its supporters, who have organized pro-government rallies, maintain that the elections on June 5 are the only solution to the political crisis, with some observers blaming the opposition for creating a "Ukraine scenario" in Macedonia.[7][8][9][10][11]
Initially taking place in Skopje, the capital, both anti- and pro-government protests have also occurred in other cities in the country, including Bitola, Kicevo, Veles, Strumica, Prilep, Kumanovo and Tetovo.[3][12] Thousands of people have taken part in the demonstrations.[7][13] The European Union and the United States criticized the government of Macedonia for the pardon of the politicians and have stated that Macedonia's prospects of becoming a member of the EU and NATO are under threat because of it.[14][15][16] In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia labelled the Macedonian opposition as a tool of foreign powers being used to destabilize the political situation in the country.[9]
Background
Large protests occurred in May 2015 in the Republic of Macedonia against the government of Prime Minister of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, following the publication of information by opposition leader Zoran Zaev that suggested Gruevski had thousands of Macedonian citizens wiretapped.[5] Many people protested against alleged government corruption, with estimates putting the number of demonstrators in the tens of thousands, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.[17][18][19] Pro-government rallies occurred as well, which also had tens of thousands attendees.[20][21] An agreement, brokered by the European Union and the United States, was worked on in June and July 2015. As part of the agreement, Gruevski resigned in January 2016 and pledged to hold early elections, which were decided on later that year to be held on June 5.[22]
On 12 April 2016 President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov halted judicial inquiries into 56 officials suspected of involvement in the wiretapping scandal. Ivanov stated to have done so in the best interest of the country, and to end the political crisis.[16][23][24] His party of appointment, the VMRO-DPMNE did not agree with his action. Opposition leader Zoran Zaev (who instigated last year's events) subsequently called for protests.[23] A demonstration occurred in Skopje on 13 April, with the presidential offices being attacked by rioters and several people detained.[13]
The protests
Demonstrations have begun on 12 April 2016, with reports suggesting that about 4,000+ people took part. Crowds broke through a police cordon towards government buildings, throwing flares at President Ivanov's offices and burning portraits of him. There were a number of injuries and 12 people were detained by police.[13] More actions occurred on 14 April, with five police officers being injured from people throwing rocks and one protestor being detained.[25][26] The demonstration that occurred on 16 April and ended peacefully, but on 17 April protestors threw eggs and stones at the triumphal arc on Skopje.[6] Thousands of people demonstrated in Skopje on 15 April, carrying white flags and banners.[27] On 18 April, it was reported that more than ten thousand people took part in demonstrations in Skopje, with protests also happening in other cities of Macedonia (including Bitola, Strumica and Veles).[12]
The protest on 19 April began in front of the special prosecutor's office, preceded to parliament and was stopped by police before reaching the EU mission. It numbered in the thousands.[28] Several thousand people turned out for demonstrations on the eighth day of the protest, 20 April.[29] Also that day, Zaev announced that he would not be willing to take part in EU-brokered talks in Vienna (proposed by European Commissioner Johannes Hahn two days earlier) unless certain conditions are met.[30] On 21 April, two rallies were held near each other in Skopje, each attended by thousands of people. One was anti-government, organized by the SDSM and the "Protestiram" (I Protest) organization, while the second was organized by the Citizens for Macedonian Defense (GDOM, in Macedonian), supported by the ruling VMRO party. The anti-government protest started in front of the special prosecutor's building, where protestors shouted "No Justice No Peace" and "Support the SJO" (special prosecution). The pro-government protestors shouted "No one can harm you Nikola" and carried anti-NATO banners.[31] On 22 April in 11 cities in Macedonia there was big anti government demonstrations organized by "Protestiram" (I Protest) organization and supported by united opposition of Macedonia.[32] On the same day European Union announced sanctions for politics and persons from VMRO-DPMNE.[33]
On 23 April the anti-government protests continued in several cities in the country.[34] Next day, Zdravko Savevski, leader of left-wing Levica (the left) and 4 other persons, memberi in presedium of Levica was arrested, but then was released.[35] The protests organized by "Protestiram" (I protest) and supported by united opposition and non governmental organizations continued in several cities and the between 15 000 and 20 000 demonstrators in Skopje protest in front of the parliament, the several ministry, and in front of the government.[36] On 25 April a large pro-government rally occurred in Bitola, organized by the Citizens for Macedonian Defense (GDOM, in Macedonian), with thousands in attendance. They rallied in support of the planned parliamentary elections on June 5.[7] On Tuesday, 26 April the anti-government protests begin in new 3 cities: Tetovo, Kicevo and Radovis, and this day there was protest in 14 cities in Macedonia.[3] There was a pro-government rally on April 27, organized by GDOM in the city of Kicevo in support of the planned parliamentary elections on June 5.[8] The anti-government protests continued after the holidays on 2 and 3 May in Skopje, Tetovo, Bitola, Prilep, Strumica, Kumanovo and Gevgelija.[37] In Skopje demonstrators protests in front of parliament, government and courts.[38] On 4 May farmers join the "Протестирам" (I protest) movement with road block in the country.[39]
Reactions
Domestic
After three political parties asked him to reconsider, President Ivanov announced on 15 April that he will stand by his decision regarding the amnesty of politicians. He said, "I think the decision protects the state interest and I inform you that I am standing by it."[40] When the EU offered to host negotiations in Vienna, Zaev stated that he would only be willing to do so if "Ivanov withdraws all the pardons he granted, and ... parliament re-convenes and revokes the decision to call elections on June 5th, because there are no conditions for it."[30] In late April police placed five demonstrators under house arrest, among them Zdravko Saveski and Vladimir Kunovski, for vandalizing the presidential offices.[2]
One of the country's largest parties and member of the government coalition, the ethnic Albanian party Democratic Union for Integration, questioned the legitimacy of the elections for June 5, saying that they would not be possible without the opposition's participation.[41]
International
Bulgaria — The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Daniel Mitov, urged for political dialogue in order to find a solution to the crisis and for people to refrain from violence on 14 April. He stated "I call on all political leaders in the Republic of Macedonia to immediately resume political dialogue and to seek common solutions to the current political crisis, in the first place to occupy themselves with maintaining public order and internal stability. I appeal for refraining from any form of violence." Mitov also said it is necessary to continue to implement the Przino Agreement, signed in 2015. He stated, "I urge politicians in the Republic of Macedonia to take up the agenda of reforms, to strengthen democratic institutions in the interest of all citizens and to restore the Republic of Macedonia to the path of European integration."[42]
European Union — It was suggested by the European Commission member Johannes Hahn on 18 April 2016 that a meeting be held in Vienna, Austria, on 22 April, so that the two sides can come to an agreement. "The aim of the meeting will be to discuss ways to solve the crisis, and to ensure that leaders will continue with the implementation of the Przino agreement," a spokesperson stated. The VMRO agreed to attend, while the SDSM said there should be a response in the coming days.[43] On 15 April, Donald Tusk, chairman of the European Council said that the future of Macedonia in NATO and the EU is under threat as a result of these events.[14] On 21 April, the EU decided to cancel the planned meeting between Macedonian politicians in Vienna, saying "The persisting rule of law issues in [the capital] Skopje, which undermine this agreement, must be addressed without any further delay."[15] On May 1, the EU ambassador in Macedonia, Aivo Orav, conveyed a message from Johannes Hahn to the four major party leaders in Macedonia that they renew dialogue and come to a solution to this crisis. He also urged them to continue the reforms to make conditions for "truly fair elections."[44]
Italy — Italian member of parliament Luca Volonte stated in an interview that the reason for Zaev's boycott of the elections scheduled for June 5 is that he knows that he does not have enough support to win them.[45]
Russia — The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its concern about the political crisis in Macedonia. On 14 April the Foreign Ministry gave a statement, "We have received messages about the escalation of the political confrontation in Macedonia that is taking place in Skopje with concern. We call on all the sides [to the dispute] to engage in political dialogue."[46] Additionally, the Foreign Ministry stated that it is concerned by foreign interference in the events, saying that the Macedonian opposition became an instrument for escalating conflict. It also said that the opposition is attempting to disrupt the elections to be held on June 5, which Russia considers the only legitimate way out of the crisis, and warned about the potential of a "Ukrainian scenario" which could "destabilize the Balkans."[9]
Serbia — The Prime Minister of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, said that he is concerned about the situation in the country, stating that the "Ukrainization of Macedonia" does not help anyone. "Clashes and disorder and every kind of destabilization threaten to affect the entire region, we in Serbia work to preserve peace and stability," he said on 16 April.[10]
United States — The Department of State commented that the U.S. is "deeply concerned" about the decision of President Gjorge Ivanov to pardon 56 politicians. Spokesman John Kirby stated on 13 April that "This decision will protect corrupt officials and deny justice to the people of Macedonia." He also said that it undermined the integrity of the country's judicial system and did not follow EU or NATO values. Kirby stated, "It will also further undermine Macedonian rule of law, the integrity of its judicial institutions, and the credibility of its leaders’ commitment to the fundamental values of NATO and the European Union."[16][42]
References
- ↑ Government of FYR Macedonia should respect fundamental democratic values in dealing with opposition. Party of European Socialists. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- 1 2 Petrevska, Anastasija. Arrests Add Fuel to Anti-Impunity Protesters’ Fire in Macedonia. Global Voices Online. Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
- 1 2 3 Mass protest in Tetovo as part of the colorful revolution (Macedonian). Libertas.mk. Published 26 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ Macedonia enters second week of anti-government protests. The Seattle Times. Published 18 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- 1 2 Macedonia Protests Demanding President's Resignation Continue. Novinite. Published 16 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- 1 2 Protests in Macedonia against Ivanov continue. The Sofia Globe. Published 17 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- 1 2 3 Thousands of citizens sent message from Bitola: Elections on June 5 for end of crisis. Republika.mk. Published 26 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- 1 2 GDOM in Kicevo: The people demand elections (Macedonian). Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
- 1 2 3 Commentary of the Department of Information and the Press of the Russian Foreign Ministry about the situation in Macedonia (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- 1 2 Macedonia: Serbia fears for stability. (Italian) ANSA. Published 16 April 2016. Published 19 April 2016.
- ↑ Mirror from Ukraine has reached the protests in Skopje (Macedonian). Republika.mk. Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- 1 2 Protests in Macedonia Gain Momentum as New Round of Political Negotiations Is Announced. Global Voices. Published 19 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- 1 2 3 Protesters throw flares, clash with police, storm presidential HQ in Macedonian capital. RT. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- 1 2 Doborovlsky, Vladimir. Tusk: The Future of Macedonia in the EU and NATO is under threat (Russian). RIA Novosti. Published 15 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- 1 2 EU warns Macedonia leaders as crisis talks cancelled. BBC. Published 21 April 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
- 1 2 3 Wiretapping Pardons Will 'Deny Justice' to People of Macedonia, US Says. Voice of America. Published 13 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ↑ Thousands in Macedonia protest alleged police brutality. ABC News. Published May 8, 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ↑ Macedonia protests: Anti-Gruevski rally in Skopje. BBC News. Guy De Launey. Published May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- ↑ Macedonian PM under increasing pressure as tens of thousands take the streets. The Guardian. May 17, 2015.
- ↑ 'No bowing down': Thousands of pro-govt protestors rally for Macedonian PM. RT. Published May 19, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2015.
- ↑ Macedonia's embattled leader rallies supporters in show of force. The Star. Kole Casule. Published May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ↑ Commission hammers out Macedonia compromise. Euractiv. Published 16 July 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- 1 2 "Macedonia President Pardons Politicians Facing Charges". Balkan Insight. 12 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ↑ Kole Casule. "Macedonian president halts wiretap inquiry, opposition brands move a 'coup'". Reuters. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ↑ Third Night of Macedonia Protests Ends with Arrests, Injured Police. Novinite. Published 15 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ↑ Protests continue for 3rd night in Macedonia over pardons. Washington Post. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ↑ Protests Continue In Macedonia Аs Early Elections Set. Radio Liberty. Published 16 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ↑ Parallel Protests Take Place Across Macedonia. Novinite. Published 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Macedonia Protests Continue For More Than A Week. Radio Liberty. Published 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- 1 2 McLaughlin, Daniel. EU’s Macedonia crisis talks in doubt as protests grow. Irish Times. Published 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Rival Rallies end Peacefully in Macedonia Capital. Balkan Insight. Published 22 April 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ http://tv21.tv/mk/?p=80313
- ↑ http://fokus.mk/fajnenshl-tajms-eu-sprema-sanktsii-za-makedonski-politichari/
- ↑ End of the 11th day of protests (Macedonian). Vesti 24. Published 23 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
- ↑ Zdravko Saveski and Vladimir Kunovski still under house arrest (Macedonian). Plusinfo.mk. Published 25 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ↑ The rain does not stop it: Over 20,000 gathered in front of the Assembly (Macedonian). Reporter.mk. Published 25 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ↑ Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. Macedonians Resume ‘Colourful Revolution’ Protests. Balkan Insight. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ↑ "Colorful Revolution" against politicized judiciary (Macedonian). Radio Liberty. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ↑ "Colorful Revolution": Farmers set up roadblocks (Macedonian). Channel 77. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ↑ Macedonian president stands by wiretap pardons despite protests. Daily Mail. Published 15 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ↑ Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. Macedonia's DUI Queries Sense of June Election. Balkan Insight. Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
- 1 2 Macedonia crisis: Bulgaria urges dialogue, end to violence. The Sofia Globe. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ↑ Hahn invites Macedonia leaders to Vienna talks EurActiv. Published 18 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ↑ EU Mulls Fresh Macedonia Crisis Talks. Balkan Insight. Published 3 May 2016. Accessed 3 May 2016.
- ↑ Italian MP: Macedonia's Leftist Opposition boycotting Elections because It Can't win?. Macedonian Online. Published 2 May 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
- ↑ Russia Concerned About Political Crisis in Macedonia. Sputnik International. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
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