Runoff voting took place Sunday in 37 municipalities, including Skopje, and is expected to confirm VMRO‑DPMNE’s strong lead after the Oct. 19 first round, in which the party won 33 of 44 mayoral races. A prolonged breakdown in Skopje’s waste collection — blamed on operational and financial problems at the waste company — became a central local issue after a child was reportedly bitten by a rat. Streets were reported cleaner on Sunday following a sudden cleanup. Just over 1 million people are eligible to vote; first-round turnout was 46.48%.
Runoffs in North Macedonia Expected to Cement Conservative Hold as Skopje’s Garbage Crisis Looms
Runoff voting took place Sunday in 37 municipalities, including Skopje, and is expected to confirm VMRO‑DPMNE’s strong lead after the Oct. 19 first round, in which the party won 33 of 44 mayoral races. A prolonged breakdown in Skopje’s waste collection — blamed on operational and financial problems at the waste company — became a central local issue after a child was reportedly bitten by a rat. Streets were reported cleaner on Sunday following a sudden cleanup. Just over 1 million people are eligible to vote; first-round turnout was 46.48%.
23:38, 02.11.2025Politics
Runoffs expected to confirm conservative dominance
Voters across North Macedonia cast ballots Sunday in local election runoffs widely expected to reinforce the ruling conservatives’ strong showing from the first round.
VMRO‑DPMNE secured 33 of the 44 mayoral races decided on Oct. 19 and took a majority of city council seats, leaving the opposition Social Democrats trailing and reducing the likelihood of an early national election.
The country has 81 municipalities; runoffs are being held in 37, including the capital, Skopje, where conservative candidates lead in nearly all contests.
Local issues take center stage in Skopje
Campaign promises on the economy, jobs and education in Skopje have been overshadowed by a weeks‑long collapse in waste collection. The municipal waste company reportedly faced operational and financial problems that left trash piling up in many neighborhoods.
The buildup attracted rats, flies and stray animals. Officials said a child was recently bitten by a rat and treated at a clinic. Residents were therefore surprised when streets in parts of Skopje suddenly appeared clean on Sunday after a rapid cleanup effort.
Just over 1 million people are eligible to vote in the runoffs. Turnout in the first round was 46.48%.
Analysis: If the runoffs confirm the first-round results, VMRO‑DPMNE will consolidate local power, limiting the opposition’s leverage and making an early general election less likely.