Balkans | North Macedonians consider Türkiye the most reliable partner

New research conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in North Macedonia shows that citizens living in the country again see Turkey as their most reliable partner.

While the confidence of the citizens of North Macedonia in Turkey has been constantly increasing in recent years, the confidence in the European Union is deteriorating further.

According to surveys conducted by the American Republican Institute (IRI), the friendly view of Macedonian citizens towards Turkey has been increasing in recent years.

In the latest survey conducted in April-May this year and published in July, 25% of citizens said that Turkey is the partner that helps the country’s interests the most. The mentioned rate was higher and much higher.

The European Union was the second most reliable partner for citizens at 18%, but trust in the EU has fallen steadily in the last 3 surveys. It is followed by Germany (13%) and the United States (11%), respectively.

In the last four polls, perception of Turkey has increased dramatically, doubling compared to two years ago.

In the question of who to establish strong relations with in order to achieve the interests of North Macedonia, Turkey once again appears as the most reliable partner for the citizens of this country.

83% of the respondents believe that their country should maintain strong relations with the Turkish state.