Nationalist Victory in North Macedonia's Elections Signals Trouble for Bulgaria

Recent developments in North Macedonia suggest a further decline in relations with Bulgaria, with the presidential elections serving as a litmus test for the sentiment towards Bulgaria within the country. The victory of nationalist opposition candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova in the first round of voting signals a potentially more antagonistic stance towards Bulgaria, contrasting with the incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski's already strained relationship with Bulgaria.

Pendarovski's presidency has been marked by tensions with Bulgaria, characterized by accusations of harassment of the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria....