MACEDONIA -THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF

General

The fundamental values of the constitutional order of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are the following: the basic freedoms and rights of the individual and the citizen, recognized in international law; the free expression of national identity; the rule of law; the division of the state powers into legislative, executive and judicial; political pluralism and free, direct and democratic elections; the legal protection of property; the freedom of the market and entrepreneurship; humanism, social justice and solidarity; local self-government; proper urban and rural planning to promote a congenial human environment, and respect for the generally accepted standards of international law. Anything that is not prohibited by the Constitution or by law is permitted in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The Constitution protects the inviolability of ownership of property and the right of inheritance, with the explicit provision that "no person may be deprived of his/her property or the rights deriving from it" (Article 30). The freedom of the market is constitutionally guaranteed (Articles 8 and 55). Foreign citizens may also acquire the right to ownership of property in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia under conditions stipulated by law.

Government

The Assembly of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a representative body of the citizens and the legislative power of the Republic. The Assembly consists of 120 Representatives. Representatives arc elected for a term of four years at general, direct and free elections by secret ballot. A Representative's mandate cannot be revoked.

The Assembly of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia adopts and changes the Constitution of the state. It also adopts laws and gives authentic interpretations of laws, determines public taxes and fees, adopts the budget of the Republic, ratifies international agreements and carries out political monitoring and supervision of the Government and other holders of public office responsible to the Assembly.

The first multi - party elections of Representatives to the Assembly of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia were held between November 11 and December 23, 1990. Seventeen political parties and 43 independent candidates took part. From the total number of 1,157 candidates, 120 Representatives were elected to the Republic's Assembly. The first multi - party Assembly of Macedonia was officially constituted on January 8,1991. The Assembly works in sessions which are open to the public. The President of the Republic is elected at general and direct elections, by secret ballot, for a term of five years. A person may be elected President of the Republic twice at most. The President of the Republic must be a citizen of the Republic of Macedonia and be over the age of 40 on the day of election. A Presidential candidate can be nominated by a minimum of 10,000 voters or at least 30 Representatives, and can be elected President if he/she wins the majority of votes of the total number of voters.

The President of the Republic nominates a mandator to constitute the Government. He appoints ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Macedonia abroad. The President of the Republic is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Macedonia and President of the Security Council of the Republic.

Executive power is vested in the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Government is elected upon the proposal of the mandator who, proposing the composition of the Government, also proposes a program of its work. The Government is elected by the Republic's assembly.

The Government determines the policy of carrying out the laws and other regulations of the Assembly and is responsible for their execution. It proposes laws, the Republic's budget and other general acts adopted by the Assembly, and also adopts bylaws and other acts for the execution of laws. In accordance with the Constitution, the Government decides on the recognition of states and governments, as well as on the establishment of diplomatic and consular relations with other states.

Political organization and activity within the bodies of the state administration is prohibited. There is also a provision that the bodies of state administration in the areas of defense and the police must be headed by civilians.

In addition to the specific Ministries and Ministers without Portfolio, there are a number of independent agencies and institutions performing special functions.

Judiciary power is exercised by courts. They are autonomous and independent. A judge is elected without restriction of his/her term of office and cannot be transferred against his/her will.

The Supreme Court of Macedonia is the highest court in the Republic. It ensures uniformity in the implementation of the laws by the courts.

Emergency courts are constitutionally prohibited in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Constitutionality and Legality in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is protected by the Constitutional Court. Its judges, consisting of outstanding members of the Legal profession and with a term of office of nine years (without the right to reelection), are elected by the Republic's Assembly.

The citizens of Macedonia are guaranteed the right of local self-government. Local self-government is exercised through the municipalities, which are financed from their own sources as well as by funds from the Republic. In the units of local self-government, citizens participate in decision-making on issues of local relevance directly and through representatives, particularly in the fields of urban planning, communal activities, culture, sport, social security and child care, preschool education, primary education and basic health care.

Economy

On April 26, 1992, Macedonia became monetarily independent: in place of the Yugoslav dinar which was in circulation up to that point the Macedonian national currency, the denar, was introduced.

A tax system similar to those existing in developed countries with market economies is in process of adoption in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It is of particular importance to restrict expansion in the public sector, and also to achieve a higher degree of efficiency and simplicity in fiscal measures. A policy has been adopted that the macroeconomic framework of public spending should not exceed 35% of the social product. Requirements for the country's defense will amount to a maximum of 3% of the national income. Attempts are being made to achieve balanced financing by budget spending, that is, to prevent monetary financing of the state and to lower the fiscal pressure on inflation.

The breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991 deprived Macedonia, its poorest republic, of key protected markets and large transfer payments from the centre. Worker remittances and foreign aid have softened the subsequent volatile recovery period. Continued recovery depends on Macedonia’s ability to attract investment, to redevelop trade ties with Greece and Serbia and Montenegro, and to maintain its commitment to economic liberalisation. The economy can meet its basic food needs but depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and most of its modern machinery and parts.