Macedonia National Public Opinion Poll · 2020-03-16 · •Spring 2020 –North Macedonia is expected to become a full member of NATO. •April 12, 2020 –Snap parliamentary elections

Public Opinion Poll: Residents of North Macedonia

January 30 – February 10, 2020

Detailed Methodology

• The survey was conducted on behalf of International Republican Institute's Center for Insights in Survey

Research by Brima market research firm.

• Data was collected from January 30 to February 10, 2020, through face-to-face interviews using TAPI

(Tablet Assisted Personal Interviewing), in the home of the respondent by trained interviewers.

• A sample of 1,222 respondents age 18 and over was surveyed. The margin of error was plus or minus 2.8

percent at the midrange of the 95 percent confidence level. The response rate was 73 percent.

• The sample is nationally representative of the adult 18+ population by age, gender, region, urbanicity and

ethnicity. The design is based on State Statistical Office (SSO) estimates for December 31, 2018. Estimates

for ethnicity are based on the 2002 Census.

• A stratified multistage probability sampling method was used, with stratification based on three stages:

• Stages 1: Probability proportionate to size (PPS) into eight regions, by urbanicity and ethnicity

(Macedonian/Others and Albanian).

• Stage 2: Allocation of number of primary sampling units (PSUs) by municipalities within each stratum, taking municipal population size into account.

• Stage 3: Random selection of actual PSUs within municipalities.

• The “next birthday method” was used to select respondents, in combination with an ethnic quota.

• The data was weighted for age, gender, region and ethnicity. Age, gender and regional weights correspond

to the 2018 SSO estimates. The ethnicity weight factor corresponds to the 2002 Census.

• Figures in charts and tables may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. All sub-group bases cited in

this presentation are weighted.

• This poll was conducted with support from the National Endowment for Democracy.

https://www.iri.org/

http://www.iri.org/

http://www.brima.com.mk/eng/index.html

https://www.ned.org/

3

Political Party Glossary

Party Name

AA: Alliance for Albanians

Alternative

BESA: Movement Besa

DOM: Democratic Movement of Macedonia

DPA: Democratic Party of Albanians

DUI: Democratic Union for Integration

LDP: Liberal Democratic Party

The Left: Levica

SDSM: Social Democratic Union of Macedonia

VMRO-DPMNE: Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity

• Spring 2020 – North Macedonia is expected to become a full member of NATO.

• April 12, 2020 – Snap parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place.

• January 3, 2020 – A caretaker government which includes representatives of the opposition is elected. It is mandated for 100 days in office prior to parliamentary elections and it is responsible for organizing fair, democratic and credible elections.

• October 19, 2019 – Prime Minister Zoran Zaev calls for snap parliamentary elections.

• October 18, 2019 – The European Council fails to approve the start of EU accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania following rejection by France.

• June 27, 2018 – Macedonia and Greece sign the Prespa Agreement, leading to a change in the country’s name to North Macedonia and resolving a 27-year dispute which was an obstacle to the country’s integration into the EU and NATO.

• May 31, 2017 – An SDSM-led government takes power following 11 years of rule by VMRO-DPMNE. The largest ethnic Albanian party, DUI, is part of the SDSM-led government. Previously, DUI was part of the VMRO-DPMNE-led government.

4

Political Context

Economic Outlook of the Country

In general, would you say that North Macedonia is heading in the right direction or in the wrong direction?

6

38%

34%

32%

25%

24%

26%

29%

31%

23%

19%

22%

27%

31%

39%

36%

29%

23%

24%

28%

20%

26%

14%

27%

37%

23%

32%

33%

33%

38%

36%

32%

40%

35%

31%

36%

30%

27%

26%

27%

24%

31%

28%

26%

24%

21%

24%

28%

31%

30%

33%

28%

31%

33%

36%

38%

40%

29%

32%

45%

43%

48%

44%

41%

33%

39%

39%

48%

48%

46%

58%

48%

56%

40%

30%

43%

2%

3%

2%

1%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

1%

2%

2%

2%

1%

2%

1%

2%

3%

2%

3%

2%

2%

2%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Jun-08

Sep-08

Dec-08

Feb-09

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

Right direction Neutral Wrong direction Don't know/Refused to answer

What is the most important problem facing North Macedonia today?… And what is the second most important problem?

(Spontaneous responses)

8%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

5%

6%

6%

9%

9%

10%

14%

19%

2%

12%

1%

2%

3%

4%

<1%

1%

5%

1%

5%

6%

9%

9%

9%

12%

9%

10%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Don't know

Other

Agriculture, low prices of agricultural products

Education

Healthcare

Pollution

No future for the youth, employment for the youth

The name issue**

Rule of law/Law and order

Integration in EU

The general political situation

Crime

Corruption

Youth emigration

Low or nonpayment of salary or pension

Poverty, low standard of living*

The economic situation

Unemployment

First mention

Second mention

3%

*Response category also includes “problems of common people”

7

29%

23%

18%

15%

12%

10%

7%

22%

18%

4%

3%

6%

2%

4%

20%

2%

27% corruption

and crime

combined

**Name issue refers to the country’s name change as part of the Prespa Agreement

In your opinion, did Zaev’s Government dedicate itself to solving the first most important problem North Macedonia is

facing that you mentioned before?*

8

8%

26%

34%

28%

4% Yes, completely

In general, yes

In general, no

Not at all

Don’t know/Refused to answer

*n=1,219, those who mentioned first important problem

9

33%

29%

31%

30%

31%

34%

29%

23%

28%

25%

25%

26%

21%

23%

19%

20%

26%

21%

24%

21%

33%

38%

24%

29%

30%

29%

30%

37%

30%

32%

36%

34%

34%

40%

40%

44%

43%

43%

39%

33%

32%

36%

33%

35%

32%

45%

31%

37%

35%

35%

28%

30%

35%

37%

33%

35%

30%

29%

29%

29%

29%

33%

32%

35%

27%

31%

23%

22%

22%

7%

4%

5%

5%

4%

5%

4%

4%

4%

6%

5%

6%

7%

5%

9%

9%

10%

11%

13%

15%

9%

8%

9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Dec-08

Feb-09

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

Get better Stay the same Get worse Don't know/Refused to answer

In the next two years, will the economy in North Macedonia get better, get worse, or stay the same?

10

18%

18%

13%

9%

10%

28%

26%

31%

23%

26%

12%

11%

17%

30%

19%

25%

32%

29%

27%

30%

9%

7%

4%

5%

9%

9%

6%

6%

7%

6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

November 2016

March 2017

August 2017

July 2018

February 2020

Increaseda lot

Increasedsomewhat

The same Decreased somewhat Decreaseda lot

Don't know/Refused to answer

In your opinion, over the last year has unemployment…?

11

2%

2%

3%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

4%

2%

2%

2%

5%

2%

3%

1%

2%

5%

3%

14%

10%

12%

15%

11%

11%

10%

12%

11%

12%

13%

12%

13%

11%

12%

15%

13%

12%

10%

14%

15%

19%

42%

44%

43%

44%

45%

43%

43%

44%

43%

51%

53%

54%

54%

51%

52%

45%

50%

51%

54%

61%

63%

58%

25%

26%

26%

26%

26%

26%

26%

26%

26%

20%

21%

20%

22%

22%

18%

23%

21%

20%

23%

16%

12%

14%

17%

18%

17%

15%

16%

19%

19%

16%

18%

14%

10%

10%

10%

13%

15%

12%

14%

13%

11%

6%

5%

5%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Feb-09

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

Much better Somewhat better Same Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know/Refused to answer

How is your family’s economic situation compared to one year ago?

How would you describe the current economic situation of your household?

12

5%

51%

32%

11%

<1%

Very good

Somewhat good

Somewhat bad

Very bad

Don't know/Refuse toanswer

Is your household monthly income sufficient to satisfy monthly needs?

13

9%

35%

39%

17% Yes, completely

Yes, somewhat

Not sufficient

Not at all

14

15%

13%

16%

16%

14%

17%

13%

15%

13%

17%

15%

13%

12%

11%

14%

18%

13%

13%

9%

15%

17%

18%

50%

49%

48%

50%

48%

45%

47%

47%

48%

51%

53%

47%

53%

52%

50%

45%

44%

50%

52%

60%

59%

59%

35%

37%

36%

33%

37%

38%

40%

37%

39%

31%

32%

38%

34%

37%

36%

37%

42%

37%

38%

24%

23%

23%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Feb-09

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

Getting better Staying the same Getting worse Don't know/Refused to answer

Speaking personally, is your overall quality of life…?

Elections and Political Parties

16

What issue do you think politicians talk TOO MUCH about?

(Spontaneous response)

5%

8%

2%

2%

3%

3%

4%

4%

4%

4%

5%

6%

6%

7%

10%

11%

16%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%


Other

The Public Prosecution Law**

Law and order, rule of law

Corruption

The "Racketeering" case*

Unimportant things

Entrance into NATO

General political situation

Elections

Economic development, investment

Name issue

Crime

Demagoguery, political marketing

Conflict between parties

Personal and party interests

Integration in the EU

*Refers to the indictment of the head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office for involvement in an extortion case.

**Refers to the recently passed Law on the Public Prosecution, which increases the competence of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

17

3%

14%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

4%

10%

12%

14%

30%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%


Other

Law and order, rule of law

Social problems, social care

EU Integration and NATO

The future of the country, its reform and development

Improving the standard of living

Low or non-payment of salary or pension

Education

Youth problems, youth emigration

Unemployment and solving the issue of unemployment

Poverty, low standard, problems of common people

Economic development, investment

What issue do you think politicians should talk MORE about?


18

Which political party do you think is the best to address

each of the following issues:

12%

16% 17%

12%

18%

9%

16%

13%

10%

17%

6% 6% 6% 6% 6%

3% 4% 4% 3% 3%3% 3% 3% 3% 3%2% 3%

50%

38%

34%

50%

36%

10% 11%

16%

9%12%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Environment,pollution

Support youth Support women Fight corruption Grow the economy

SDSM VMRO-DPMNE DUI BESA AA DOM None Don't know/Refused to answer

*Only political parties named by at least 2 percent are presented.

Do you agree or disagree that VMRO-DPMNE acts constructively in opposition?

19

13%

21%

23%22%

21%

11%

25%

20%

31%

13%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Completely agree Somewhat agree Somewhatdisagree

Completelydisagree

Don’t know/Refused to

answer

July 2018 February 2020

20

22% 22%15%

12% 10% 11% 8% 7% 8%

15% 11%

2%1% 4% 4%

6%

20%14% 17% 19% 17% 17% 14% 14% 18%

36% 47%

38%38%

51% 56% 57%64% 60%

-19

-28

-38-44

-54-58

-63 -65-70

SDSM VMRO-DPMNE DOM LDP MovementBESA

(Party of BilallKasami)

AA(Party of

Ziadin Sela)

Alternative(Party of

Afrim Gashi)

DUI DPA

■ Very unfavorable■ Somewhat unfavorable■ Very favorable ■ Somewhat favorable

I will read you a list of political parties. Please tell me if you have a highly favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable,

or highly unfavorable opinion of this party. (Net favorability of political parties, Don’t know/Refused is not displayed)

21

To which political party do you belong?

9%

52%

1%

1%

4%

4%

7%

11%

12%

Refused to answer

Don't belong to any party

Other

DPA

AA

BESA

DUI

SDSM

VMRO-DPMNE

0% 20% 40% 60%

40%

22

29%

22%13% 13%

21%11% 14% 14%

9% 8%

21%

18%

2% 2%

10%

5%7% 3%

1% 6%

17% 20% 10% 12% 15% 17% 12% 16% 13% 14%

24%

35%

24%27%

45%

48% 59%55%

53%64%

+9

-15-19

-24-29

-49 -50-54 -56

-64

PresidentStevo

Pendarovski

Former PrimeMinister Zoran

Zaev

MajaMorachanin,

leader of DOM

GoranMilevski,

leader of LDP

HristijanMickoski,leader of

VMRO-DPMNE

Bilall Kasami,leader of BESA

NikolaGruevski,

former leaderof VMRO-DPMNE

Ziadin Sela,leader of AA

Afrim Gashi,leader of

Alternative

Ali Ahmeti,leader of DUI

I will read you a list of names of political persons. Please tell me if you have a highly favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or highly unfavorable opinion of this individual.

(Net favorability of political persons, Don’t know/Refused is not displayed)

■ Very unfavorable■ Somewhat unfavorable■ Very favorable ■ Somewhat favorable

23

When you think about people in political life, who is the one person in North Macedonia whom you view most favorably?


32%

9%

16%

3%

5%

10%

31%

5%

11%

4%

6%

16%

45%

5%

2%

7%

1%

5%

2%

16%

41%

1%

1%

2%

2%

3%

3%

3%

4%

6%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

None

Mila Carovska

Gjorge Ivanov

Nikola Dimitrov

Stevo Pendarovski

Bilall Kasami

Nikola Gruevski

Ziadin Sela

Ali Ahmeti

Hristijan Mickoski

Zoran Zaev

February 2020

July 2018

August 2017

March 2017

24

Do you think there are conditions in the country to hold free

and fair elections?

24%

33%

22%

15%

6%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Definitely yes Probably yes Probably no Definitely no Don’t know/Refused to answer

How likely or unlikely are you to vote in the parliamentary elections on April 12?

25

62%

59%

61%

61%

46%

22%

18%

22%

21%

28%

4%

7%

4%

4%

7%

4%

3%

2%

3%

3%

4%

6%

8%

1%

10%

5%

7%

2%

10%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

November 2016

March 2017

August 2017

July 2018

February 2020

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely

Very unlikely Would not vote Don't know/Refused to answer

How likely or unlikely are you to vote in the parliamentary elections on April 12?

(Disaggregated by age groups)

26

38%

43%

56%

33%

28%

22%

10%

6%

4%

3%

4%

3%

9%

11%

10%

7%

8%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

18-35 years old(n=403)

36-55 years old(n=426)

56+ years old(n=394)

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Would not vote Don't know/Refused to answer

If elections were held this coming Sunday for which party, if any, would you vote?*

27

11%

22%

6%

5%

1%

4%

5%

7%

17%

20%

23%

19%

4%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

7%

18%

21%

12%

21%

12%

4%

2%

1%

1%

4%

5%

7%

16%

17%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Refused to answer

Undecided/Don't know

I would not vote on the day of the elections

None/Will spoil the ballot

Other

The Left

DPA

Movement BESA (party of Bilall Kasami)

Alliance for Albanians (party of Ziadin Sela)

DUI

VMRO-DPMNE

SDSM

February 2020

July 2018

August 2017

*See glossary of political parties on Slide 3.

Attitudes toward Euro-Atlantic Integration and Foreign Relations

29

96%

94%

93%

92%

95%

93%

96%

94%

92%

90%

87%

84%

76%

72%

72%

76%

80%

72%

72%

71%

76%

72%

77%

83%

80%

3%

4%

5%

7%

4%

6%

4%

6%

7%

9%

9%

12%

19%

20%

23%

20%

14%

22%

22%

23%

19%

21%

20%

14%

16%

1%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

4%

4%

6%

8%

5%

4%

6%

6%

6%

7%

5%

6%

3%

3%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Apr-08

Jun-08

Sep-08

Dec-08

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

Yes No Don't know/Refused to answer

Do you support North Macedonia becoming a member of the European Union?

30

What is most important for North Macedonia's accession to the EU?

10%

1%

30%

24%

35%


Other

Both of these

Political will by the EU toaccept N.Macedonia into the EU

Implementation of domesticreforms requested by EU

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

31

In how many years do you think North Macedonia will become a member of the EU?

8%

18%

27%

25%

16%

16%

17%

21%

25%

21%

17%

18%

25%

23%

18%

7%

14%

17%

27%

35%

8%

15%

24%

25%

28%


Never

More than 10

6-10

1-5

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Feb 2020 July 2018 April 2016 January 2016 October 2015

32

28%

21%

25%

24%

18%

24%

13%

41%

57%

44%

44%

51%

50%

50%

56%

47%

59%

35%

19%

27%

28%

28%

26%

26%

26%

29%

28%

24%

24%

29%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

14-Dec

15-Jun

15-Oct

16-Jan

16-Apr

16-Nov

17-Mar

17-Aug

18-Jul

20-Feb

Now When first received its EU candidate status Don't know/Refused to answer

Do you think North Macedonia is closer to EU entry today, or was it closer when it first received its EU candidate member status?*

*First received in December 2005

33

92%

90%

90%

89%

94%

92%

94%

91%

89%

89%

91%

87%

85%

78%

77%

83%

83%

74%

76%

73%

77%

71%

75%

77%

76%

5%

8%

8%

9%

6%

7%

5%

8%

10%

10%

6%

9%

11%

16%

15%

13%

12%

19%

18%

20%

18%

21%

21%

19%

21%

3%

2%

2%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

3%

4%

4%

6%

7%

4%

5%

7%

7%

8%

5%

8%

4%

4%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Apr-08

Jun-08

Sep-08

Dec-08

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20


Do you support North Macedonia becoming a member of NATO?

34

25%

28%23%

27%

34%27%

40%

43%43%

47%

44%41%

46%48%

52%

55%58%

55%

25%

27%

30%30%

23%

27%27%

33%

30%40%

25%

27%31%

31%29%

31%

25%21%

27%

31%

15%

18%14%

14%

16%14%

11%

14%8%

10%

11%12%

9%12%

7%

6%9%

6%

18%

24%

17%24%

29%

18%25%

9%

8%5%

13%

14%12%

8%7%

6%

10%8%

8%

20%

9%

8%9%

7%

6%7%

7%

5%4%

5%

4%4%

6%4%

4%

4%4%

3%

6%

Aug-17

Jul-18Feb-20

Aug-17

Jul-18Feb-20

Aug-17

Jul-18Feb-20

Aug-17

Jul-18Feb-20

Aug-17

Jul-18Feb-20

Aug-17Jul-18

Feb-20

Feb-20

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused to answer

European

Union

United

States

Turkey

Germany

China

Russia

How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements: “North Macedonia’s interests are best served by maintaining strong

relations with…”

France

35

10%

4%

17%

3%

6%

11%

15%

17%

17%

6%

5%

18%

1%

6%

6%

18%

22%

18%

9%

3%

13%

1%

8%

7%

14%

16%

27%

6%

3%

14%

1%

18%

7%

17%

10%

23%

0% 10% 20% 30%


All of them

None of them

China

Germany

Russia

Turkey

United States of America

European Union

February 2020

July 2018

August 2017

March 2017

Which one of these countries helps North Macedonia’s national interests the most?

Government’s Performance

Based on its actions and behavior, do you consider the Government of Zoran Zaev to be transparent or nontransparent?

43%

47%

10%

46%

35%

19%

51%

32%

17%

37%

52%

10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Transparent Nontransparent Don't know/Refused to answer

December 2014 August 2017 July 2018 February 2020

37*Answers from December 2014 refer to the government led by Nikola Gruevski, VMRO-DPMNE.

38

How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “The Government led by SDSM is open and accountable to the

citizens and the public”?

20%

34%

19% 19%

7%

12%

31%

26%28%

3%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know/Refused to answer


Has Zoran Zaev done his job well enough to deserve re-election?

39

31%

54%

15%

Yes

No


Which three ministers in Prime Minister Zaev’s Government were not doing their job as they should?

(Up to three responses permitted)

28%

27%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

3%

3%

3%

3%

4%

8%

4%

5%

2%

1%

2%

2%

2%

1%

2%

2%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

3%

2%

3%

1%

4%

6%

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

1%

2%

3%

2%

2%

2%

1%

1%

4%

2%

2%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%


All of them

Other

Goran Sugarevski (Transport and Communications)

Damjan Manchevski (Administration)***

Kreshnik Bekteshi (Economy)

Trajan Dimkovski (Agriculture)

Mila Carovska (Labor and Social Policy)

Husni Ismaili (Culture)

Nina Angelovska (Finance)

Nikola Dimitrov (Foreign Affairs)

Oliver Spasovski (Internal Affairs, DPM)

Arber Ademi (Education)

Naser Nuredini (Environment)

Renata Deskoska (Justice)

Bujar Osmani (European Affairs, DPM)

Sadula Duraku (Political System, DPM)**

Venko Filipce (Health)

Kocho Angushev (Economy, DPM)

Radmila Shekerinska (Defense, DPM)*

Zoran Zaev

First mention

Second mention

Third mention

*DPM stands for Deputy Prime Minister **Political System and Relations among the Communities***Information Society and Administration 40

Which three ministers in Prime Minister Zaev’s Government were doing the best job?

(Up to three responses permitted)

13%

40%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

3%

4%

4%

5%

7%

11%

6%

5%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

3%

4%

4%

3%

4%

5%

2%

4%

7%

1%

1%

1%

2%

1%

2%

2%

3%

3%

3%

2%

4%

5%

2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%


None

Other

Goran Sugarevski (Transport and Communications)

Trajan Dimkovski (Agriculture)

Kocho Angushev (Economy, DPM)

Renata Deskoska (Justice)

Kreshnik Bekteshi (Economy)

Arber Ademi (Education)

Nina Angelovska (Finance)

Venko Filipce (Health)

Nikola Dimitrov (Foreign Affairs)

Radmila Shekerinska (Defense, DPM)

Bujar Osmani (European Affairs, DPM)

Oliver Spasovski (Internal Affairs, DPM)

Mila Carovska (Labor and Social Policy)

Zoran Zaev

First mention

Second mention

Third mention

41

Governance and Strength of Institutions

43

26%

33%

30%

24%

21%

22%

27%

25%

14%

19%

18%

21%

23%

22%

18%

16%

5%

18%

15%

5%

13%

4%

28%

37%

20%

46%

47%

46%

51%

60%

58%

54%

54%

42%

54%

53%

50%

43%

45%

47%

51%

35%

38%

35%

25%

44%

25%

45%

35%

54%

25%

17%

23%

24%

17%

19%

18%

20%

43%

26%

29%

28%

33%

27%

31%

31%

58%

42%

47%

67%

40%

70%

25%

25%

25%

2%

3%

2%

2%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

3%

5%

4%

2%

2%

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

3%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Jun-08

Sep-08

Dec-08

Feb-09

Apr-09

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

More stable Same Less stable Don't know/Refused to answer

Is North Macedonia more or less stable today than it was one year ago?

44

23%

44%

53%

54%

51%

56%

44%

28%

48%

42%

40%

39%

44%

39%

42%

15%

29%

19%

5%

21%

5%

44%

42%

43%

61%

43%

36%

36%

38%

35%

43%

55%

41%

43%

45%

45%

41%

46%

43%

61%

51%

59%

55%

57%

62%

44%

40%

43%

13%

10%

8%

7%

7%

6%

10%

15%

9%

13%

13%

12%

9%

12%

12%

23%

16%

19%

38%

17%

32%

10%

14%

12%

3%

3%

4%

3%

4%

3%

3%

2%

2%

3%

3%

4%

6%

4%

4%

2%

4%

3%

2%

5%

2%

2%

4%

2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Apr-08

Jun-08

Sep-08

Dec-08

Jun-09

Sep-09

Dec-09

May-10

Sep-10

Dec-10

Nov-12

Feb-14

May-14

Sep-14

Dec-14

Jun-15

Oct-15

Jan-16

Apr-16

Nov-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Jul-18

Feb-20

Peaceful and stable Intense and uncertain Critical and unstable Don't know/Refused to answer

How would you describe the current internal political situation in North Macedonia?

Do you believe that democracy is the best possible form of government for our country or not?

45

61%16%

11%

12%

Yes, it is the best possible formof government for our country

No, there are other forms ofgovernment that could beequally good for our country

No, there are other forms ofgovernment that are better thandemocracy


The rule of law in a democracy could be understood as “a state when all people and institutions are accountable to the law and the Constitution, and the Constitution and the law are equally applied towards

all.” How strongly do you agree or disagree that rule of law exists in our country?

46

17%

12%

18%

14%

17%

30%

26%

23%

29%

28%

20%

21%

19%

29%

18%

28%

36%

36%

24%

31%

6%

6%

4%

4%

6%

November 2016

March 2017

August 2017

July 2018

February 2020

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused to answer

Now I would like to discuss corruption with you. When I say corruption, I mean having to do a favor, give a gift or pay a

bribe because someone misuses their position for personal gains. To what extent, if any, has corruption had a negative impact on you?

47

26%

26%14%

27%

7%A lot of negative impact

Some negative impact

Little negative impact

No negative impact

Do not know/Refused to answer

In the past 12 months, how often, if at all, have you had to do a favor, give a gift or pay a bribe?

48

3% 3%

7%

21%

60%

6%

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Less frequently

Not at all

Do not know/Refused to answer

Do you think your phone conversations are:

49

31%

35%

39%

34%

35%

52%

50%

46%

45%

46%

18%

15%

15%

21%

19%

June 2015

October 2015

August 2017

July 2018

February 2020

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Private and safe? That is, you and the other person in the conversation are the only ones aware of theconversation.

Not private and safe? That is, there is a possibility that your conversations are being listened to and/orrecorded by a third party.


50

To what extent do you trust or distrust each of the following institutions:…?

2%

2%

3%

3%

4%

4%

6%

6%

6%

6%

6%

8%

9%

9%

27%

21%

21%

28%

25%

43%

31%

35%

44%

40%

33%

27%

46%

31%

28%

27%

22%

29%

24%

33%

24%

27%

28%

29%

24%

25%

26%

26%

40%

49%

50%

37%

40%

18%

34%

22%

22%

23%

29%

37%

16%

30%

2%

2%

4%

2%

7%

2%

5%

9%

1%

2%

8%

3%

4%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Political parties

Courts/Judiciary

Public prosecution

Parliament

The State Commission for Prevention of Corruption

Media

Opposition

CSOs/NGOs

Public health care institutions

Police

The State Election Commission

Government

Education institutions

Your municipal government

Trust a great deal Somewhat trust Somewhat distrust Distrust a great deal Don’t know/Refused to answer

Social Cohesion

52

Fill in the blank:Macedonia is…*/North Macedonia is…**

(Multiple responses permitted)

20%

27%30%

43%

3%

18%21%

26%

38%

11%

1%0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

My country My homeland My state All of the above None of theabove

Other

Macedonia is… North Macedonia is…

A split sample method was applied on this question: half of the sample was asked how they feel about “Macedonia” and the other half was asked how they feel about “North Macedonia.”* n=628, margin of error ± 3.9%** n=594, margin of error ± 4.0%

53

What language(s) do you speak at a level to be able to study and work in that language?

(Spontaneous response; multiple responses permitted)

3%

3%

5%

7%

21%

21%

27%

83%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Other

Roma

Turkish

German

English

Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian

Albanian

Macedonian

54

Should all citizens, regardless of ethnic background, be proficientin Macedonian language as the official state language?

86%

9%5%

84%

15%

1%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%



Our country recently changed its name to North Macedonia. Did this affect the identity of ethnic Macedonians?

55

46%

47%

7%

Yes

No


According to you, to what extent is there political division and polarization in North Macedonia?

56

50%

31%

9%

3%6%

To a great extent

To some extent

To a little extent

Not at all


According to you, to what extent do each of these institutions create political division and polarization in North

Macedonia?

57

27%

32%

39%

44%

37%

34%

15%

15%

13%

7%

7%

7%

7%

9%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Media

Opposition

Government

To a great extent To some extent To a little extent Not at all Don’t know/Refused to answer

How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about life in North Macedonia?

58

19%

11%

21%

27%

26%

50%

36%

41%

37%

39%

21%

29%

25%

22%

20%

8%

24%

12%

12%

12%

1%

1%

1%

1%

3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I am able to have a proper work-life balance(only empoyed)*

I am satisfied with my life in N. Macedonia

Women and men have an equal share intaking care of the household, looking after

children, looking after the elderly, etc.

Women and men have equal conditions toadvance at their workplace

Women and men have equal conditions toadvance in politics

Completely agree Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree Completely disagree


*n=578, margin of error ±4.3%

Is there any member of your household who has emigrated to live and/or work abroad?

59

16%

15%

19%

49%

1%

Yes, in the last year

Yes, in the last three years

Yes, three and more years ago

No

Refused to answer

How important or unimportant is it that all members of our country’s adult population are included in political decision

making? How important is that […] are included?

60

31%

63%

49%

43%

27%

36%

12%

6%

9%

6%

2%

3%

8%

2%

2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

People with disabilities

Young adults

Women

Very important Somewhat important

Somewhat unimportant Very unimportant


Do you think that today’s generation of young people has a good future in our country or not?

61

19%

77%

4%

Has a good future

Doesn’t have a good future


Environmental Awareness: Usage of Plastic Bags

63

5%

2%

4%

6%

20%

31%

25%

7%


6 or more

5

4

3

2

1

None

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Average use:

2.15 single-use

plastic bags a day

On average, how many single-use plastic bags do you get on a daily basis to carry your purchases?

In your opinion, how much, if at all, do plastic bags/biodegradable bags pollute the environment?

64

62%

29%

6%3%

Plastic bags

30%

40%

19%

11%

Biodegradable bags

Significantly pollute the environment, with damaging consequences to it

Pollute the environment, but not significantly

Don't pollute the environment


According to you, what are the best measures to decrease the use of plastic bags?

(Up to two responses permitted)

65

3%

8%

19%

50%

50%

Don't know/ Refused to answer

None

Add a mandatory fee for plastic bags

Forbid use of plastic bags

Incentivize use of resuable bags

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

How do you throw your garbage away at home?

66

1%

1%

22%

24%

52%


Directly in the bin

In both

In plastic garbage bags

In plastic carrier bags

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Do you sort waste in your home? Do you separate waste from plastic, glass, paper, food, etc.?

67

45%

25%

20%

11%

No

Yes, but rarely

Yes, most of the time

Yes, all the time

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Sources of Political News

How much did you follow political news yesterday?

69

35%

21%

19%

24%

22%

28%

28%

22%

26%

34%

23%

16%

I did not follow any of it

I followed some of it

I followed most of it

I followed all of it

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

February 2020 July 2018 August 2017

* Don’t know/Refused to answer is not displayed.

Where did you follow political news yesterday?(Spontaneous response; multiple responses permitted; among those who

answered that they followed at least some political news yesterday)

70

89%

35%

6%

26%

6%

84%

29%

5%10% 9%

81%

36%

3%

20%

7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Television Internet, online,social media

Printed media,newspapers

Family and friends Multiple sources (TV,internet, newspapers,

friends)

August 2017 (n=710; margin of error ± 3.6)

July 2018 (n=853; margin of error ± 3.4)

February 2020 (n=888; margin of error ± 3.2)

What are your most used sources of political news?(Multiple responses permitted)

71

86%

5%

12%

32%

9%

32%

89%

3%

8%

27%

7%

35%

85%

4%6%

27%

4%

39%

84%

4% 5%

22%

3%

38%

80%

3% 2%

29%

2%

39%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Television Radio Print media Family/Friends

Political parties Internet/Websites

November 2016 March 2017 August 2017 July 2018 February 2020

Which television station do you watch most often for political news?

(Spontaneous response; multiple responses permitted)

72

8%

1%

1%

3%

3%

7%

8%

8%

15%

19%

26%

2%

5%

2%

1%

3%

7%

8%

2%

20%

5%

11%

0%

2%

4%

2%

3%

6%

7%

2%

8%

1%

5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Do not watch TV

Local TV station

TV 21

TV Shenja

MTV (Albanian language)

Alfa

24 Vesti

Telma

MTV (Macedonian language)

Kanal 5

AlsatM

Sitel

First mention Second mention Third mention

Which daily newspaper do you read most often for political news?(Spontaneous response)

73

2%

83%

2%

2%

3%

4%

4%


Do not read newspapers

Nova Makedonija

Vecer

Sloboden pecat

Koha

Lajme

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

February 2020

Demographics

Demographics

11%

25%

64%

32%

35%

33%

50%

50%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Other

Albanian

Macedonian

56+

36-55

18-35

Male

Female

75

Gender

Age

Ethnic background

Demographics

1%

35%

64%

26%

74%

1%

1%

21%

7%

9%

16%

3%

4%

9%

31%

6%

19%

51%

24%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Christianity-other

Islam

Orthodox Christianity

Public sector

Private sector

Refused to Answer

Other

Retired

Student/Pupil

Housewife

Unemployed

Agricultural

Professional

White-collar worker

Blue-collar worker

No formal education/Incomplete primary school

Complete primary school

Complete secondary school

Complete tertiary/higher education

76

Religiousbackground

Education

Occupation

Workingsector

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Documents

Macedonia National Public Opinion Poll · 2020-03-16 · •Spring 2020 –North Macedonia is expected to become a full member of NATO. •April 12, 2020 –Snap parliamentary elections