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North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence

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2026-10-09 12:25 UTC → 2026-10-10 06:15 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, stating that the state must be “bigger than all our differences” to serve all citizens. In New York, during the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Mickoski addressed the Macedonian diaspora and diplomatic representatives. He emphasized the government’s goal to encourage citizens abroad to return to invest and build families, while noting a GDP growth rate of 4.3 percent and a stable two-thirds parliamentary majority to facilitate reforms. Controversy regarding the cost of festivities has emerged. While Prime Minister Mickoski previously stated in Shtip that celebrations cost the state budget “zero denars,” government spokesperson Marija Miteva ~~later~~ has since presented a detailed ~~financial~~ 81-page report. The report indicates a total expenditure of 340,509,749 denars (approximately 5.54 million euros) for 18 events across 13 cities. Miteva noted the program, including the musical caravan ‘Silno svetnal den’, focused on highlighting Macedonian artists. Critics continue to raise concerns regarding the lack of Albanian language, art, The breakdown includes 129,307,500 denars for artist and ~~culture in official state manifestations.~~ performer fees, 96,272,512 denars for production, 58,527,037 denars for logistics, 2,832,450 denars for marketing, and 53,570,250 denars for collaborator fees. The program featured international performers such as David Guetta, José Carreras, Steve Aoki, Paul van Dyk, and Paul Oakenfold.

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