# North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-independence-anniversary-celebrations > Updated: 2026-09-09T06:49:14.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 6. North Macedonia is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its independence, stemming from the September 8, 1991, referendum in which over 95 percent of voters supported sovereignty. The milestone is being observed through state ceremonies, including flower-laying services at the graves of former leaders Kiro Gligorov, Boris Trajkovski, and Nikola Klusev, and the awarding of the ‘September 8’ Order. During the commemorations, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova reiterated that statehood is an ongoing responsibility, noting that true democracy is measured by “institutional functionality rather than just electoral cycles” and the protection of human rights. Speaker of the Assembly Afrim Gashi added that building the state requires economic development, equality, and trust, while highlighting the nation’s multi-ethnic character as a core strength. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has called for unity and the defense of state interests, stating that the state must be “bigger than all our differences” to serve all citizens. However, this rhetoric has drawn criticism from the opposition party SDSM, which labeled his use of the term “leftovers” (talog) as divisive and an open threat to political opponents. In response to allegations regarding the funding of independence festivities, Prime Minister Mickoski stated in Shtip that the celebrations cost the state budget “zero denars.” He clarified that activities involving international artists, such as Steve Aoki and Paul Okendfold, were organized through socially responsible companies rather than public funds. He encouraged critics to verify these claims via the ‘Open Finances’ platform. International recognition continues, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirming the United States' commitment to North Macedonia as a “reliable ally in regional security and counter-terrorism.” Celebrations have also extended to Zagreb, where the Embassy of North Macedonia and the Macedonian Cultural and Information Center held a formal reception. ## Claims - The Declaration of Sovereignty was adopted by the first multi-party Macedonian parliament on January 25, 1991. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 95.09 percent of voters supported independence in the 1991 referendum. (single source) - 1,079,308 citizens voted in favor of independence. (single source) - North Macedonia was the only former Yugoslav republic to achieve independence through a peaceful process. (single source) - Bulgaria was the first country to recognize the independence of the Republic of Macedonia on January 15, 1992. (single source) - The country's constitution was adopted on November 17, 1991. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: North Macedonia celebrates 35 years of independence in Zagreb The North Macedonian Embassy in Zagreb hosted a formal reception and cultural program to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, featuring choral music and historical exhibitions. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-celebrates-35-years-of-independence-in-zagreb ### 2026-09-08: Monika Zajkova calls for political accountability on North Macedonia's Independence Day LDP leader Monika Zajkova marked North Macedonia's 35th Independence Day by calling for systemic accountability and reforms to reduce bloated state administration and political partisanship. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monika-zajkova-calls-for-political-accountability-on-north-macedonias-independence-day ### 2026-09-06: North Macedonia celebrates 35 years of independence North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence from the 1991 referendum with national celebrations, diplomatic tributes, and political discourse regarding unity and institutional functionality. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-marks-35-years-of-independence ### 2026-08-31: Macedonia celebrates 35 years of independence with major musical events Skopje is celebrating 35 years of Macedonian independence with a series of free concerts featuring José Carreras, local music stars, and a grand finale performance by David Guetta. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jose-carreras-to-perform-in-skopje-for-north-macedonia-independence-anniversary ### 2026-08-11: North Macedonia faces criticism over independence anniversary celebrations North Macedonia faces domestic criticism over how the government is marking 35 years of independence, with debates focusing on partisan celebrations and the omission of key historical events in official media. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-faces-debates-over-national-identity-and-independence ### 2026-08-08: North Macedonia celebrates 35 years of independence with multimedia tour North Macedonia is celebrating 35 years of independence with a massive multimedia musical tour across 11 cities, featuring international artists like David Guetta and José Carreras. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-celebrates-35-years-of-independence-with-multimedia-tour --- Cite as: North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-independence-anniversary-celebrations