IRI North Macedonia Poll Shows an Increase in Foreign Influence, Lack of Transparency in Political Parties, Support for Open Balkan Initiative 

Skopje, North Macedonia – A new poll in North Macedonia by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research shows an increase of Chinese and Russian influence, a lack of transparency in political parties, and support for the Open Balkan Initiative. 

On foreign policy, 64% of citizens of North Macedonia agree that their interests are best served by strong relations with China. Sixty percent agree for Russia. This is an eleven-point increase for China and a six-point increase for *Russia from a poll taken in February of 2020. The newly released poll also shows strong support for the European Union (EU) and the United States. In total, 85% agree that the interests of North Macedonia are best served with strong relations with the EU and 76% agree for the United States.

“As North Macedonia strives to make democratic advancements, it’s concerning that China and Russia continue to make steady inroads,” said Paul McCarthy, Regional Director for Europe at IRI. “Fortunately, support for close partnerships with the EU and the United States remains very strong.”  

When asked about political parties, only 21% of North Macedonia’s citizens believe that they are transparent with handling money received from the state budget. Further, 48% were unaware of the amount of the state budget allocated annually to finance political parties. 

When asked about political parties, only 21% of North Macedonia’s citizens believe that they are transparent with handling money received from the state budget. Further, 48% were unaware of the amount of the state budget allocated annually to finance political parties. 

“It’s absolutely essential for political parties to build trust if a democracy is going to succeed,” said McCarthy. “This poll shows that transparency in political parties will need to be a priority going forward.”   

Finally, 75% of adults support the Open Balkan Initiative, a series of agreements involving Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia to help facilitate trade, business, and the movement of citizens between countries.   

Methodology   

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research by Brima market research firm (member of Taylor Nelson Sofres and Gallup International). Data was collected between November 27 through December 23, 2021, using a stratified multistage probability sampling method through in-person, in-home interviews. A nationally representative sample size of 1,226 respondents aged 18 and over was surveyed. The data was weighted for age, gender, region and ethnicity. The margin of error was ± 2.8 points at a 95%confidence level. The response rate was 75%.  

*IRI notes that the survey was conducted prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  This poll was conducted with support from the National Endowment for Democracy.