# VMRO-DPMNE political activity in North Macedonia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vmro-dpmne-political-activity-in-north-macedonia
> Updated: 2026-08-08T09:02:14.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

The VMRO-DPMNE political party in North Macedonia has focused its recent rhetoric on national stability and criticisms of the ruling SDSM party. Initially, the party emphasized a commitment to economic growth and national interest, pledging to reject political defeatism and opposing concessions on national identity during the EU integration process.

Subsequently, the party's criticism intensified toward specific incidents and government plans. VMRO-DPMNE accused the SDSM of shielding individuals connected to former Prime Minister Zoran Zaev following a violent incident in Novo Selo involving individuals receiving suspended prison sentences. Additionally, the party defended the construction of a National Data Center, dismissing opposition concerns as attempts to incite panic and asserting that the project is essential for state security and efficiency.

Political friction has recently escalated regarding the commemoration of North Macedonia's 35th anniversary of independence. Following a video released by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, the SDSM criticized the presentation for omitting milestones like NATO accession and EU negotiations. VMRO-DPMNE responded by accusing the opposition of politicizing national celebrations. 

Furthermore, tensions have risen over the Novo Selo incident, with VMRO-DPMNE alleging that the SDSM is defending convicted violent offenders and drug traffickers, specifically naming Hristijan Efthimov, the grandson of former PM Zoran Zaev. Simultaneously, disputes have emerged regarding economic data, with the SDSM contesting official statistics by pointing to high inflation and the rising costs of food and fuel.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: North Macedonia political tensions rise over independence video and Novo Selo incident

Political tensions rise in North Macedonia as VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM clash over a commemorative independence video and allegations involving criminal associations in the Novo Selo incident.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vmro-dpmne-criticizes-sdsm-following-novo-selo-incident

### 2026-08-03: VMRO-DPMNE vows to reject hatred, pursue economic growth in Macedonia

VMRO‑DPMNE says it will not let hatred and pessimism become a national ideology, pledges continued economic growth, criticises opponents for defeatist rhetoric, and reaffirms focus on rule of law and youth in M

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vmro-dpmne-vows-to-reject-hatred-pursue-economic-growth-in-macedonia

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Cite as: VMRO-DPMNE political activity in North Macedonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vmro-dpmne-political-activity-in-north-macedonia