Arsovski: Serbia’s rapid progress toward the EU could increase pressure on Macedonia

The victory of the student list in Serbia’s elections and the political developments that followed have opened a new chapter in the Balkans, which could also affect relations with Macedonia. Speaking to “Sloboden Pechat,” political analyst Petar Arsovski described Aleksandar Vučić’s acceptance of the defeat within a short time as a positive development.

Arsovski said that Vučić’s acceptance of the result indicates that the transfer of power is expected to take place peacefully. According to him, such a refusal could have fueled political destabilization in Serbia, with consequences that would also be felt in Macedonia.

According to the analyst, one possible scenario is for Serbia to accelerate its European integration and align its foreign policy with the positions of the European Union. In this context, Belgrade could also consider imposing sanctions on Russia.

Arsovski believes that Serbia’s faster rapprochement with the EU would put new pressure on Macedonia, particularly given Montenegro and Albania’s progress in the European integration process.

However, he stressed that it is still unknown whether the mobilization of Serbian students will also influence young people in Macedonia.

According to Arsovski, students in Serbia have positioned themselves far from the political parties that currently exist. He emphasized that their demands are related to transforming the political system, rather than simply replacing individuals on the political stage.

The analyst recalled that student protests have been announced in Serbia for November 29, as part of protests planned across Europe, and said it remains to be seen whether there will also be mobilization in Macedonia. According to him, Serbian students have shown a rather cynical attitude toward political parties, and in their comments they have even responded to Filipce. Arsovski said that in Macedonia, only “The Left” could take charge of organizing the protests, but added that it is still unknown whether this will happen./Telegrafi/