Creating space for more pluralistic civic engagement by working with CSOs, media groups and government institutions to increase access to balanced information, promote constructive political discourse and support democratic reforms.

WHY USAID/OTI IS IN MACEDONIA

For over two years, Macedonia has endured protracted political uncertainty marked by a corruption scandal, political divisions, a feeble economy and tense relations between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians. The resulting instability presents concerns for the wider region.

In May 2017, a new governing coalition came into power, representing a shift in leadership for the first time in a decade. The new government has articulated a commitment to addressing the reforms that were outlined in the June 2015 Przino Agreement and reorienting the country toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Through its continued engagement, the U.S. Government promotes democratic processes in Macedonia as a key component to the country’s political stability and Euro-Atlantic integration.

USAID/OTI’s ROLE IN MACEDONIA

In September 2015, the USAID/OTI Macedonia program was launched to support the reform processes outlined in the Przino Agreement. USAID/OTI works closely with Macedonian civil society organizations, media groups and government institutions to increase access to reliable information, promote free and open civic discourse and support democratic reforms.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• In its second season, the USAID/OTI-supported satirical news program Yesterday’s News received the prestigious Zlatna Bubamara (“Golden Ladybug Award”) for the best satirical show in Macedonia. The award recognizes the program’s successful use of humor and satire to engage the public on critical issues within the country. By addressing these topics through humor, the show reaches citizens who may be less interested in traditional forms of news to bring them into the democratic discourse. Since it first aired in April 2016, Yesterday’s News has steadily increased in popularity with an average of 138,000 viewers per episode, a 38 percent increase from the previous season. 

• USAID/OTI-supported TV debate series, “Only the Truth,” presents civil dialogue and diverse viewpoints on important issues affecting Macedonian citizens. The 10-week series reaches a broad audience by airing on a popular nightly news program. Guests include politicians, professors, political analysts, journalists and other key influencers who represent different viewpoints and can attract a more politically diverse audience. In a highly partisan media landscape, this show is unique in its presentation of thought-provoking content that reflects a diversity of perspectives in a constructive, unbiased manner.