Mysterious Pro-Vučić Rally in Kumanovo Sparks Political Controversy

The upcoming rally in Kumanovo, ostensibly in support of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, has stirred significant controversy and suspicion within North Macedonia. The Macedonian opposition, particularly the SDSM, views this event not as a genuine expression of support but as a politically motivated maneuver orchestrated by ruling VMRO-DPMNE, allegedly with the backing of Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

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This is organized by Hristijan Mickoski, by VMRO-DPMNE, with the aim of supporting Vučić by people who are not even Serbs by nationality.

According to SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska, the rally is a clear attempt to mobilize VMRO supporters under the guise of pan-Slavic solidarity, potentially to counter a student protest planned in Belgrade. This narrative suggests a coordinated effort to project an image of regional support for Vučić, especially as domestic support in Serbia may be perceived as waning. The opposition points to the frequent display of Serbian flags at VMRO events and the described 'sisterly' relationship between the ruling parties as evidence of this close alignment.

VMRO-DPMNE has officially denied any involvement in organizing the Kumanovo rally, stating that the public would be informed if they were the organizers. However, the opposition remains skeptical, recalling past instances where VMRO-DPMNE has distanced itself from individuals attending pro-Vučić rallies in Serbia. The involvement of Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Stoilković, a prominent figure representing the Serbian community in Macedonia and a known associate of SNS leader Miloš Vučević, further fuels the opposition's claims of SNS influence.

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VMRO-DPMNE is not the organizer of any people's rally in Kumanovo. If VMRO-DPMNE were the organizer, the public would certainly know.

Stoilković's evasive response, citing his travel to China, has done little to quell the speculation. The situation raises questions about the extent of Serbian political influence in North Macedonia and the potential for such events to be used as tools for political mobilization and projection of power. From our perspective, these actions appear to be part of a broader strategy by President Vučić to consolidate his image as a leader of all Serbs in the region, potentially seeking to create new 'phantom voters' abroad as domestic support dwindles.

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I am already on my way to China, first to Shanghai and then to Shandong, where I will participate in the 7th meeting of local leaders of China with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. (...) So I am sorry that your esteemed media will be deprived of my modest answer.