6. Public Sector Reform in Macedonia: Ending Political Appointments and Promoting Merit

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.

Behind every failing institution in Macedonia lies a truth no one wants to admit—our public administration is not run by professionals. It is run by political appointees. Merit has been replaced by loyalty, and competence has been sacrificed for control. This silent corruption eats away at our state every day, and the cost is staggering.

If we are serious about reform, we must take politics out of the public service—once and for all.

The Cost of Political Interference

Every time a public servant is hired because of who they know—not what they know—we weaken the entire system. Services become slower. Errors increase. Resources are wasted. And ordinary citizens lose faith in a state that no longer serves them.

In Macedonia, it is common knowledge that many jobs in government, especially at the municipal level, are handed out as political favours. Promotions are based on party allegiance. Dismissals follow changes in power. This revolving door culture breeds incompetence and fear, not professionalism.

A Public Service That Serves the Public

We need a public administration that works for the people—not for the parties. That begins with merit-based recruitment and promotion. Every government job must be advertised publicly. Every application should be assessed through transparent, standardized criteria. And every decision must be open to audit or appeal.

The same applies to promotions. Career progression should depend on performance, qualifications, and experience—not campaign donations or party membership.

An Independent Civil Service Commission

To break the political grip on hiring, Macedonia must establish or empower an independent Civil Service Commission—free from ministerial control, with legal powers to oversee all hiring and promotions across government. This commission must set clear rules, monitor compliance, and act on violations.

We must also introduce strict penalties for political interference. Ministers, mayors, or party officials who attempt to influence hiring should be investigated and disqualified from public office.

Protecting Professionals from Political Retaliation

Depoliticization also means job security for qualified professionals. Civil servants must be protected from arbitrary dismissal when political power changes hands. This will allow them to work without fear, serve consistently across administrations, and focus on long-term results.

A truly independent public service gives us something Macedonia desperately needs—institutional memory and continuity. Governments may change, but the work of the state must go on.

Restoring Pride in Public Service

For too long, being a public servant in Macedonia has meant being underpaid, underappreciated, and politically exposed. We must change that narrative. Let’s create a system where smart, committed young people aspire to join the public service—not because of political connections, but because they believe in making a difference.

Let public service become an honour—not a shortcut to power.

It Starts Now

Depoliticizing the public administration will not happen overnight. It will require courage, resistance from vested interests, and strong public pressure. But it is the foundation of all other reforms. Because without a professional, independent public service—nothing else will last.

Merit over loyalty. Macedonia over party. The future over the past.

Dr. Elena Spasovska

Co-Founder & President, Macedonian Citizens Alliance

Dr. Elena Spasovska is expert in peacebuilding, equality, and democratic governance. Macedonian-born and raised, she holds a Bachelor's degree from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, a Master’s degree from the University of Barcelona, and a PhD in International Relations from the University of South Australia. Elena has lectured and contributed to research initiatives at leading Australian universities. Her academic portfolio spans global politics, development, international security, social justice, human trafficking, and post-conflict governance. She brings a rare combination of academic depth and public advocacy, with a clear mission: to confront corruption and restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for all Macedonians.

Macedonian Citizens Alliance

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