15. Public Participation in Lawmaking: Giving Macedonian Citizens a Voice in Policy

A Note to Our Readers

The Macedonian Citizens Alliance is an independent, non-partisan platform committed to giving citizens a real voice in ending corruption and shaping a just, transparent, and prosperous future for Macedonia. We are not in favour or against any political party. We will support any government or opposition initiative that challenges corruption and promotes integrity and progress, but we will also hold all parties, leaders, and institutions accountable - regardless of affiliation. Macedonia has had enough of division. If you believe that political leaders and public officials should serve the people with honesty and with citizens’ interests as a priority, then support us. Our role is to keep every party, every official, and every institution honest - so that together, we can rebuild trust and create a better country for all.

In a true democracy, laws are not written behind closed doors. They are not dictated from the top down, nor are they shaped only by political elites. Laws should reflect the will, needs, and values of the people they govern. But in Macedonia, lawmaking is too often a one-way conversation—politicians speak, and citizens are expected to stay silent.

It’s time to change that. It’s time to open the doors of parliament and make public participation the cornerstone of our democratic process.

The Problem: Laws Made Without the People

Today, draft laws are often introduced without real consultation. Debates happen at lightning speed. Amendments are rushed through committees. And by the time the public hears about a new law, it has already been passed—or worse, it has already caused damage.

Citizens are excluded from the process. Experts are ignored. Civil society is treated as a nuisance. This isn’t democracy—it’s arrogance.

Why Participation Matters

When people are included in shaping the laws that affect their lives, better laws are made. More practical. More just. More enforceable.

Public participation:

• Brings real-life experience into policy decisions

• Helps prevent unintended consequences

• Increases public trust and compliance

• Reduces political polarization and apathy

And most importantly, it sends a powerful message: Your voice matters here.

From Tokenism to True Engagement

Consulting the public isn’t just about publishing a PDF online and accepting feedback for a few days. That’s not participation. That’s box-ticking.

Real participation means:

• Public consultations at every stage of major legislation, with clear summaries of input received and how it was used

• Town hall forums and digital hearings, especially for laws that affect education, health, labor, environment, and civil rights

• Expert roundtables involving academics, NGOs, and professionals to stress-test proposals before they’re passed

• Open comment periods where anyone can suggest changes or express concerns

Participation must be designed into the process—not added as an afterthought.

A Digital Democracy

Technology can help bridge the gap. Macedonia should launch a digital legislative platform where citizens can:

• Read draft laws in plain language

• Submit feedback and alternative proposals

• Vote in non-binding polls on key issues

• Track which MPs supported or opposed each law

This platform should be simple, accessible, and publicized—especially to youth, rural communities, and the diaspora.

Parliament Must Serve the People—Not Themselves

Public participation is not a threat to governance. It is governance. Politicians must stop treating citizens as obstacles to power and start recognizing them as co-authors of the country’s future.

Let’s stop pretending that laws are the domain of a few experts and political insiders. The people are the true legislators. The parliament is simply their tool.

A New Political Culture

This is not just about policy—it’s about culture. A government that listens becomes more honest. A citizen who is heard becomes more engaged. Together, they create a nation where power is not hoarded—but shared.

Let’s build that Macedonia. One law. One conversation. One people—together.

Michael Penevski

Co-Founder, Macedonian Citizens Alliance

Michael Penevski holds a Bachelor of Law degree and is an investment banker specializing in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets. A long-standing critic of political impunity, he has been a vocal advocate for transparency, systemic reform, economic revitalization, and citizen-led governance. Born into a family grounded in Macedonian values, Michael co-founded the Macedonian Citizens Alliance to help build a nation that serves its people - not the privileged few.

Macedonian Citizens Alliance

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