Macedonian youth flee amid SDSM accusations of elite corruption

The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) held a press conference in which spokesperson Keti Sterjova said large numbers of young Macedonians are leaving the country because they see no future, decent jobs, or a functional system. She blamed senior officials Dragan Pavlovic Latash and Mikovski for steering a “propaganda‑driven” agenda, using foreign connections and public money to enrich themselves and protect the criminal organization VMRO‑OKG.

Sterjova added that workers have not received increases to the minimum wage, farmers face serious difficulties, and citizens are forced to cope with water shortages while public institutions fail to deliver services. She claimed that ordinary citizens are left to endure a cycle of tenders and debt that burdens future generations, and vowed that the government will be returned to the people.

The statements reflect growing discontent among Macedonian youth, who, according to the SDSM, “do not want to live in Latash’s Macedonia” and are seeking opportunities abroad.