Exploring the Role of Citizens’ Associations in Shaping Decision- Making Processes in North Macedonia

The main purpose of this research is to present a study analysis of the notion of interest groups, especially citizens' associations in the Republic of North Macedonia and their participation in public policy development. Interest groups can be defined as formal organizations that strive to reach their goals through influencing decision-making processes. These groups are considered as non-political, but they rather deal with the "politics of politics."

This research paper actually analyses the impact of citizens’ associations on local government in the Republic of North Macedonia and to what extent the citizens take part in the compilation of public policy. For this research, a questionnaire has been prepared and 200 citizens living in Skopje have been contacted by phone, and the achieved results and statistical data show that still the participation of citizens in public policy is not at the proper level. The level of cooperation between citizens and local government, i.e. municipalities, is still at a low level. There is an institutional weakness and low implementation capacity, which limits the voice and participation of citizens in local affairs. This institutional gap also undermines the principles of the rule of law, equal access to justice, as many citizens remain excluded from meaningful decision-making processes, and their rights are not fully safeguarded in practice.

There is a need to raise citizens’ awareness and convince them that the voice of citizens in municipalities should be heard, i.e. they should speak loudly. Strengthening the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice are therefore essential for enabling genuine democratic participation and for enhancing trust between citizens and institutions. Finally, it is concluded that during the decision-making processes in North Macedonia, nongovernmental and international organizations have given a great contribution with their activities.