North Macedonia: Opposition party to lead demonstrations in Skopje June 18

Event

The opposition VMRO-DPMNE party will lead a demonstration in central Skopje June 18. The purpose of the action is to denounce the rising cost of living and call for early parliamentary elections. Participants will gather outside the government building at 20:00; some activists will gather at three nearby locations and march to the government building from 19:15. Attendance will likely be in the thousands.

Additional police will deploy to monitor the action. Large crowds and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport and business disruptions; public transport normally routed through the area may be canceled or diverted. The action is likely to proceed peacefully though isolated clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out, particularly if activists attempt to breach any security cordons.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the demonstration area the evening of June 18.