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North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence

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2026-09-09 10:32 UTC → 2026-09-09 14:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~has been noted,~~ 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.” ~~The celebrations~~ Celebrations have also extended ~~abroad, with~~ to Zagreb, where the Embassy of North Macedonia ~~in Croatia hosting a formal reception in Zagreb. Ambassador Dragan Gjurchevski emphasized that independence represents a responsibility to strengthen institutions~~ and ~~highlighted~~ the ~~nation's NATO membership~~ Macedonian Cultural and ~~bilateral relations with Croatia.~~ Information Center held a formal reception.

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