Conservatives Sweep North Macedonia Local Elections

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, North Macedonia’s political landscape shifted decisively as the ruling conservative VMRO-DPMNE party clinched a sweeping victory in the country’s local election runoffs. The results, confirmed by the State electoral commission with nearly 99% of ballots counted, saw VMRO-DPMNE secure 55 out of 81 mayoral contests, including the coveted post in the capital city, Skopje. In stark contrast, the main opposition Social Democrats managed to win just six mayoral seats, a result that left their hopes for an early general election dashed and sent shockwaves through their ranks.

According to reports from the Associated Press and corroborated by several international outlets, the scale of the conservative triumph was evident well before the final numbers were tallied. Of the 81 municipalities across North Macedonia, 37 were up for grabs in Sunday’s runoff. The conservative candidates had already established a commanding lead by winning 33 out of 44 contests in the first round, held two weeks earlier. By the time the second round concluded, the VMRO-DPMNE’s dominance was clear, and the party’s supporters were quick to celebrate.

At party headquarters in Skopje, VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski addressed a jubilant crowd. His words, caught on camera and reported by AP, captured the mood: “If anyone had any doubts, the people have shown that (North) Macedonia is yours again. Thank you my people. This is a victory of hope for a better future.” The energy in the room was palpable, with hundreds of supporters waving flags and cheering what Mickoski described as a “great, great” victory.

For the opposition Social Democrats, the night was somber. Party leader Venko Filipche faced reporters at his own headquarters, acknowledging the poor results but insisting he would not step down. “These elections are a clear roadmap for the party and what changes need to be undertaken,” Filipche stated, signaling a period of reflection and likely internal debate for the embattled party. Despite the scale of the defeat, Filipche was adamant: he had no intention to resign.

While campaign rhetoric in Skopje and other major municipalities often revolved around big-ticket issues like the economy, jobs, and education, these topics were unexpectedly overshadowed by a more immediate—and pungent—problem: garbage. For weeks leading up to the election, trash had been piling up in the streets of Skopje, the result of operational and financial woes at the city’s garbage collection company. Residents found themselves wading through heaps of uncollected refuse, which quickly attracted rats, flies, stray cats, and dogs. The situation deteriorated to the point where, as reported by AP, a child was bitten by a rat and required treatment at a clinic. The unsanitary conditions became a talking point in local media, sparking frustration and concern among voters.

Yet, in a twist that surprised many, election day brought a sudden transformation. The streets of Skopje, previously choked with garbage, appeared bright and clean. Residents were taken aback by the abrupt change, with some expressing skepticism about the timing. Was it a last-minute effort to sway voters or simply a coincidence? Either way, the clean-up did little to distract from the underlying frustration that had built up over weeks of neglect. The garbage crisis, more than any other issue, seemed to encapsulate the challenges facing local governance in North Macedonia and may have played a role in shaping voter sentiment.

The turnout for the runoff elections was just over 1 million eligible voters, but participation was notably subdued. According to official figures, voter turnout stood at 41.47%, a drop from the 46.48% registered in the first round two weeks prior. Analysts pointed to a combination of voter fatigue, disillusionment with political promises, and perhaps the sense of inevitability surrounding the VMRO-DPMNE’s momentum as factors behind the lower turnout.

For the VMRO-DPMNE, the victory is more than just a tally of mayoral seats; it’s a mandate that extends across the country’s diverse municipalities, from urban centers to rural outposts. Winning the capital is particularly symbolic, as Skopje is often seen as a bellwether for national sentiment. The party’s ability to sweep both rounds of voting, capturing the majority of contested municipalities, signals a renewed confidence among conservative voters and poses significant challenges for the opposition as they regroup.

The Social Democrats, meanwhile, are left to ponder their next steps. Despite their leader’s refusal to resign, the scale of the defeat will likely prompt soul-searching within the party. Some party insiders have called for a reassessment of strategy, especially in light of the issues that resonated most with voters—issues that, in this election, were less about ideology and more about the day-to-day realities of municipal management.

Observers have noted that the campaign’s focus on garbage collection, rather than the usual economic and educational platforms, may have been a deciding factor. The sight of overflowing bins and the experience of public health scares brought home the importance of effective local governance in a way that abstract promises could not. The VMRO-DPMNE’s ability to capitalize on this discontent, coupled with their organizational strength, appears to have given them the edge.

Looking ahead, the results of these local elections will undoubtedly shape the political discourse in North Macedonia. While the Social Democrats had hoped that a strong showing might trigger early general elections, their poor performance has instead solidified the VMRO-DPMNE’s grip on power at the municipal level. Whether this momentum will carry over to national elections remains to be seen, but for now, the conservatives are riding high.

For the people of Skopje and other municipalities, the hope is that the newly elected mayors—regardless of party—will prioritize the basic services that so starkly influenced this election. As one resident put it, “We just want our city to be clean and safe. That’s not politics; that’s life.”

With the dust—and the trash—now settled, North Macedonia faces the challenge of translating electoral victories into meaningful improvements for its citizens. The coming months will reveal whether the promise of a “better future” is more than just a campaign slogan.