Conversations for the Future at 12:05 calls for new social contract

The platform ‘Conversations for the Future at 12:05’ held its second session, titled ‘35 Years Later...’, to mark the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. The debate focused on the nation's political, economic, and social development, with participants concluding that there have been ‘more unlearned lessons than substantial systemic progress’ during this period.

Participants included non-partisan civil activists, current opposition public officials, and various generations of SDSM members. Notably, Amar Mecinovic, a spokesperson for the Levica party, also attended. The discussions were conducted under Chatham House Rules to ensure anonymity.

The session occurs amid growing tension between the platform and the current leadership of the SDSM. The platform recently suggested the possibility of forming a broader opposition front that would include SDSM but exclude current leadership figures such as Venko Filipce. In response, the SDSM has criticized the initiative, labeling it ‘ZNAM 2.0’ and accusing it of distracting from the opposition's primary goals.