9. Ending Nepotism in Macedonia: Transparent Hiring for Public Sector Jobs

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 Macedonia, getting a public sector job is often less about qualifications and more about connections. Cousins, party loyalists, and friends of the powerful are handed government roles while talented, hardworking citizens are pushed aside. This isn’t just unfair—it’s dangerous. It breeds incompetence, destroys morale, and fuels a public sector that serves itself instead of the people.

If we want a functioning government, we must end nepotism once and for all—and replace it with a transparent, merit-based hiring system.

The Hidden Cost of Nepotism

Nepotism is corruption. It might not always involve envelopes of cash, but the consequences are just as damaging. When unqualified individuals are placed in positions of responsibility, services suffer. Roads aren’t built properly. Hospitals are mismanaged. Vital projects are delayed or abandoned.

Worse still, young people lose hope. They see that no matter how hard they work or how well they perform, the system is stacked against them. This fuels apathy, brain drain, and resentment.

Ending nepotism is about restoring faith that integrity and competence still matter in Macedonia.

The Case for Transparent Recruitment

Every public sector job—at all levels—must be filled through a clear, open, and competitive process. That means:

• Publicly advertised job postings, with clear job descriptions and qualification requirements.

• Objective selection criteria that are measurable and job-specific.

• Anonymous application screening to eliminate bias.

• Independent panels to conduct interviews and assess candidates.

• Public publication of final scores and selected candidates, with written justification.

This is not idealism. It is standard practice in democratic countries where public administration is taken seriously.

An Independent Hiring Oversight Body

To prevent political interference, Macedonia must establish a Public Sector Hiring Authority—a neutral, independent body tasked with monitoring every stage of the recruitment process. It should have the legal power to:

• Audit hiring decisions across ministries and municipalities.

• Reverse illegal appointments.

• Penalize officials who violate fair hiring procedures.

This body must report directly to parliament—not to any political party or ministry.

Blacklisting and Accountability

We must also create blacklists of individuals or political actors found to have rigged hiring processes or appointed unqualified relatives. These individuals should be banned from holding leadership positions in public institutions. Corruption in hiring is not a minor infraction—it’s the root of institutional failure.

Rewarding Talent, Retaining Hope

Ending nepotism is about more than rules—it’s about hope. Talented young people must see a future in Macedonia where they can succeed without selling their soul to a political party. They must believe that public service is a noble, respected, and rewarding career.

A transparent hiring system attracts the best minds, builds a stronger state, and sets a powerful example for the private sector to follow.

A New Standard for a New Macedonia

For too long, the phrase “You need connections” has poisoned our progress. It’s time to change the narrative.

Let merit speak louder than surnames. Let fairness be the norm—not the exception.

A professional public service begins with one simple principle: the job should go to the person who deserves it.

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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