This Week in Politics

North Macedonian Presidential Election

North Macedonian went to the ballot box this week in the run-off election between the incumbent Social Democratic president and the nationalist right-wing challenger. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the right-wing secured the presidency with a wide margin, making her the first woman to become the President of Macedonia. Her party VMRO-DPMNE won near 70% whilst the incumbent party SDSM won 30%. Turn put reached roughly 50% in both the 1st and 2nd round of voting. EU integration, rule of law, corruption, fighting poverty and economic growth have been some of the Ian issues for the campaign.

EU accession has been slow and corruption continues to hurt the country. VMRO-DPMNE experienced a corruption scandal themselves in which their former leader fled to Hungry, leading to the temporary collapse of the party's support. However, since then the party has worked hard to change its image and this election proves that they have been successful. Last election was between the same candidates yet the SDSM won by a relatively good margin, this time the VMRO-DPMNE made a comeback in the form of a landslide. EU accession has been ongoing since 2005, a Greek veto of the nation's name and Bulgarian historical and language claims have hindered the Skopje from joining the bloc. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova alongside her party have stated their intent to continue the work toward full EU membership, however, will require admission before taking the steps Bulgaria asks for.

North Macedonian Parliamentary Election

Outside the presidential election North Macedonia has held its parliamentary election. 120 seats were up for grabs, 61 needed for a majority. To differ from the 2nd round of the presidential election there are several parties. VMRO-DPMNE's coalition made major gains, falling short of a majority at 58 seats. SDSM's coalition lost 28 seats, now they have 18, and the leader resigned. The alliance European Front won more seats than SDSM. Otherwise 2 smaller parties won exactly 6 seats each. VMRO-DPMNE's coalition will likely take power, however, needs to negotiate with another party first.

Tory Defection to Labour

Natalie Elphicke MP for Dover has crossed the floor in the House of Commons; joining Keir Stamer's Labour. The opposition leader, Sir Stamer, welcomed Dover's MP during PMQ on Wednesday. Moreover, asking Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:

“What is the point of this failed government staggering on … [when] the Tory MP for Dover, on the frontline of the small boats crisis, says the prime minister cannot be trusted with our borders?”

Mr Sunak has made "stopping the boats" a centrepiece of his agenda. Ms Elphicke has previously attacked Labour for its migration policy, the defection is likely a criticism of the governments current handling of the issue. The Dover MP stated the Conservatives have become “a byword for incompetence and division.” However, Natalie Elphicke's switch has not been without controversy, as a former rightwing Tory many within Labour have a distaste for her admission. An MP stated "she is absolutely vile" speaking about her record. She has been a member of the European Research Group, a group within the Conservatives, and has directed criticism towards footballer Marcus Rashford for endorsing free school meals. Saying he should spend more time “perfecting his game and less time playing politics.” She later apologised. However, her defection marks the unpopularity of a government that has been at the helm of British politics for the past 14 years.