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By BiEPAG - 01 June , 2015

Policy Brief: Unraveling the Political Crisis in Macedonia: Toward Resolution or Calm Before the Storm?

Policy Brief: Unraveling the Political Crisis in Macedonia: Toward Resolution or Calm Before the Storm?
Policy Brief: Unraveling the Political Crisis in Macedonia: Toward Resolution or Calm Before the Storm?
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In a period of less than two weeks, between the 5th and 18th of May 2015, Macedonia suffered violent protests, a weekend-”war,” resignations from the government, and continued social mobilization for and against the government, which resulted in two big rallies and the setting up of two separate tent camps in the center of Skopje, one against the government and another in its support. Negotiations between the political leaders, facilitated by international actors, brought momentary political stability; however, the question remains whether negotiations will resolve the political crisis in a deeply divided and polarized society or whether they will just be the calm before the storm. The all-day talks on 2 June 2015, mediated by EU Commissioner Hahn, appear to have yielded a tentative first step in resolving the crisis. Now, it is important to build on this momentum and to avoid a return to “normality” without change.

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