Macedonian Content Farmers Podcast

We made it to episode 200! And Jason noticed that we were talking about Orban back in episode 1, so now we are right back to where we started. Sadly, Orban is out (for the time being) but we discuss the movement that he built and if it can survive. Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a Macedonian Content Farmers podcast episode if we didn’t also discuss BulgariaMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

This was supposed to be a podcast on Macedonia, of course, but we had the stupid idea to just mention Iran, off the top. And of course, we now have a full podcast on the war. Cvetin and Jason generally disagree with how things are going, the gameplan, the timing and how it will affect what was a budding right wing revolution. Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Cvetin and Jason get together to discuss political changes in Bulgaria, and how that could reflect on Macedonia and the historic dispute that blocks our EU integration. We also talk about the latest depths to which SDSM has sunk, with their new propaganda campaign and where it may borrow its inspiration from. Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Jason and Cvetin do a rare in-person recording of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcast, at the foot of Vodno mountain in Skopje. We cover the news of the 2025 and give our expectations for 2026, in the political sphere, the economy and how the turmoil in Europe can affect Macedonia. Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Important local elections took place both in Macedonia and in NYC, with some similarities in the candidates, but different outcomes. We dive deep into the elections in Macedonia, the inter-ethnic angle, and discuss who is now the largest opposition party in the country. We also lament what New York is about to be exposed to - may it serve as a warning to others.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The local elections in Macedonia resolved a number of issues - such as the hastening end of Ali Ahmeti, but also raised a number of new ones. Cvetin and Jason discuss the major dual victory of VMRO and VLEN, the splintering of SDSM, the dirty tricks (literally) played in the capital, and how will VMRO manage the Albanian parties in the future. Give it a listen.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

With local elections a week away, Cvetin and Jason sit down to talk about the overwhelming advantage VMRO enjoys in the race, but also the plans to set a trap for VMRO in the future, using the DUI party that wants to be a thorn in the side of the Government. And of course, because a lot of things happened since our last episode, we talk about the Charlie Kirk assassination, the raging left and the potential for peace in the Middle East. And Ukraine. And other stuff. Give it a listen.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

A rare, in-person episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcast is before you, with Jason visiting Macedonia in time for our 34th independence anniversary. And he's here just in time for the major wiretapping scandal, as revelations are coming up that the SDSM - DUI regime was spying on Mickoski, a group of critical journalists and even on some of their own who strayed from the reservation. Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Jason and Cvetin get together for an update on the generally slow political summer in Macedonia. The game is now firmly one of VMRO vs DUI, with SDSM in a secondary role supporting Ahmeti's party. And the field chosen by DUI is one of ethnic strife and tensions - which is the only area they can compete in. We also discuss the uphill battle Macedonia faces in getting its truth across on social media. Give it a listen.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Cvetin and Jason are back to discuss several burning issues about Macedonia. For one, the attempt to include the Macedonian national identity and language in the progress report of the European Parliament, which would then have put Macedonia on the spot to meet the Bulgarian demands, failed. Bulgarian members of the European Parliament managed to drum up support among most of the other representatives to delete all mention of the Macedonians from the report, and we are back to square one. In another curious issue, Skopje Mayor Danela Arsovska and a good chunk of SDSM aligned media decided to go all in to help DUI win the municipality of Cair in the coming local elections. The plan appears to be to deny VMRO the possibility to remain in coalition with VLEN and force them to take DUI on some time next year, hoping it will weaken Mickoski's government from within. And an interesting testimony in the US Congress shed light on the US funding of the Colored Revolution.Give it a listen.Link to the Judiciary Committee hearing and Mike Gonzalez's testimonyhttps://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/gonzalez-testimony.pdfMusic by:- Toby Keith (Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

An initiative to secure national identity guarantees for Macedonia from the European Parliament faces loud opposition from the Bulgarian representatives, who are even accusing a hapless Austrian Green MEP of corruption. Cvetin and Jason discuss whether this is something that could unlock the dispute and allow Macedonia to open the EU accession talks.We also discuss the state of play in the Albanian parties, and the intervention from Mayor Danela in their affairs.And Jason opens with a sad bit of news about an old friend of Macedonia.Music by:- a-ha (Take on Me)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Macedonia is on the verge of a strategic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom. The unexpected news broke over the past few weeks, and it will enable the country to borrow billions under favorable terms to develop infrastructure. The deal is likely to cause a deep political realignment, which has the left panicking, and even launching a migrant-panic campaign, as they lose yet another major international supporter. Meanwhile, there are rumblings in the Albanian camp that can even lead to early elections. We discuss all of this and more in the latest episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcast.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

More than a month later, Macedonia is still reeling from the disastrous nightclub fire in Kocani, that killed over 60 young people. The magnitude of the disaster deeply shook the nation. We are still looking for ways to cope with its effects.There is a push for soul searching and looking for steps we could take that would bring some closure to the families. One thing that all agree on is the need for a major anti-corruption push, which is happening, with dozens of top and middle level officials being prosecuted, for actions that have, through corruption or negligence, contributed to the disaster. There are, of course, political ramifications and attempts to take advantage of the wounded public opinion, and we cover this as well.Article on the ancient city discovered near Bitola: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/ancient-military-outpost-in-north-macedonia-might-be-birthplace-of-alexander-the-greats-grandmotherMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Trump has been President for almost two months and our reviews are in. It's been a crazy ride, and while we lament that we didn't see this version of Trump in 2017, when we needed him most, better late then never. We discuss the effects of his presidency so far on Macedonia, with the government lining up behind him, and the opposition SDSM apoplectic now that they are losing the preferential status and the support of the US diplomacy. We also cover DUI, who are even more affected by their fall from grace, and just had their main financier in serious trouble.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Ok, things are officially up to 11. Cvetin and Jason discuss President Trump's decision to dismantle USAID, an organization which has had tremendous political influence in Macedonia, through the funding of the Colored Revolution. We talk about what this could mean for the political situation in the country, the relationship of power between the left and the right and some of the crazier antics that the network built around USAID did in the past. As well as how quiet they seem to be at the moment.Cvetin also talks about his bizarre censorship experience at the hands of a (USAID funded of course) censorship group working with Facebook.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)Republika news item on the censorship move and Cvetin's "banned" editorial - https://english.republika.mk/macedonia/facebook-is-censoring-a-political-opinion-piece-published-by-republika/Deleting Facebook posts in real time - https://www.facebook.com/cvetin/videos/614139357983138/Republika article about what USAID was actually funding in Macedonia - https://english.republika.mk/macedonia/usaid-paid-tens-of-millions-for-left-wing-politicized-projects-and-media-outlets-in-macedonia-including-the-soros-foundation/With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

It's an in-person, in-Macedonia recorded Inauguration Day episode. Jason and Cvetin talk about the momentous event that is transpiring before our eyes, as well as Prime Minister Mickoski's visit to Washington for the inauguration, on invitation of Rumble owner Chris Pavlovski. We offer our hopes and prayers for a successful and transformative presidency and discuss how it could affect Macedonia and the region. Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

It was an event packed week, as the US Embassy intervened in the Albanian protests and nipped them in the bud. Artan Grubi, the bad boy beloved by the "international community" in Skopje, found himself on the State Department black list, and likely facing serious corruption investigations, dragging down with him any momentum Ali Ahmeti's DUI party built up since the protests we covered in the last episode. VMRO sprung to action, and began major anti-corruption arrests against Zaev's energy sector lieutenants. The one fly in the soup is the nagging question - what does the Embassy hope to accomplish with this intervention? I guess we'll find out soon enough.Cvetin's article on Artan Grubi (in Macedonian) - https://republika.mk/kolumni/nema-veke-kako-do-sega/Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The prediction Mickoski was making for months has come true - DUI is trying to stir up ethnic tensions in Macedonia. The Government insists that this is because serious investigations are finally about to begin, and DUI is afraid. Either way, the Albanian flag day celebrations were rowdy, with deliberate nationalist provocations, and now we are facing arrests and potential for instability (as tensions rise world-wide in the anticipation of the second Trump term).We also discuss about Radmila Sekerinska's failing upwards move as she was appointed to a top NATO position, and what this will mean for domestic politics. Give it a listenOur farmer's pick - https://www.reagan.movie/Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

We are getting to the endgame in the US elections, so Jason and Cvetin sit down to discuss how the outcome over there will affect things over here. We are facing DUI plans for major protests in late November, driven by a recent court decision to stop the unmerited hiring of Albanians in the public service, which provoked even a New York Times article. And we are looking into the latest scuffles with Bulgaria, as Macedonia offers to make a deal but asks for guarantees and wants to get Hungary involved as a mediator. But all will obviously depend on how things go in the US.We talk about all of this and more on the latest episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcastThe New York Times article on the balancer - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/north-macedonia-ethnic-balancer.htmlMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

It's that time of the month, where we have to do a show on Bulgaria. After some optimism on this issue in the previous episode, the dispute is now back with a vengeance, with both sides alleging that they are mortally insulted by the other, and the prospect of even holding a meeting in the near future, let alone having constructive dialogue, looks dim. We explain what happened, who is to blame, as well as a few other items, such as the Daily Caller article on the US public policy priorities in Macedonia.The Daily Caller article: https://dailycaller.com/2024/09/17/state-department-paying-stage-play-god-bisexual-communists-lgbt-rights-abroad/Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Jason and Cvetin sit down in Skopje, for a rare, in-person edition of the podcast, as the country is about to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of its independence. Or, as we see it, the 4th reboot of the country, after the first three attempts were rudely interrupted by external, and unfortunately internal, forces. We also discuss other small countries in a similar trajectory, as Estonia, Churchill (obligatory topic of discussion) and wine. Give it a listen.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Things are quiet in Macedonia, with the new Government taking over and the opposition nowhere to be seen. But what about the rumors that we can expect ethnic strife, protests and tensions in the autumn? Cvetin and Jason discuss about this possibility, and also, how the US elections will influence the political and ethnic stability of Macedonia.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

With the new Macedonian Government in place for a month now, we look into its performance so far, how is Mickoski handling the Albanians, Greeks, Bulgarians, Americans, the half-finished infrastructure projects and what's left of the opposition. And we are moderately optimistic about what we've seen so far. Saudis come snooping around: https://www.leaders-mena.com/saudi-arabia-unfolds-new-cooperation-of-islamic-affairs-with-north-macedonia/Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

While we would prefer to discuss the big political issues of the day - the UK and France elections, or the President of the US being a turnip, we stick to what we know and that is Macedonian politics and what the new Government is up to. Cvetin updates us on how the Mickoski Government caved on the name issue and began using the N word in formal capacities (and it's still not enough for Greece) while the US Embassy reciprocated by throwing DUI under the bus. Still, we also have the first old style confrontation between VMRO and the diplomatic coprs. And Mickoski made his first foreign visit - to DC - where he's meeting some interesting characters.Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Jason and Cvetin examine the first moves of the incoming VMRO Government, as it managed to get a two-thirds majority in Parliament from an unlikely source. This first vote clears the way for the Mickoski Government to be elected soon, and to get to work. Meanwhile, SDSM and Levica are attacking it as *gasp* too weak toward the Albanians. But the actual Albanians are falling over themselves trying to get in the coalition, so..And we also take a gander at the European Parliament elections and what that might mean for Macedonia. Give it a listen..The New York Times article about ethnic based hiring in Macedonia - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/north-macedonia-ethnic-balancer.htmlMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

VMRO is back and hit the ground running. President Gordana Siljanovska started her term by dropping the N word from the oath of office, which she took as President of Macedonia - to applause from the public and shock from the diplomatic corpse in Skopje. Greece is threatening an embargo, Bulgaria is joining in the pressure, but incoming Prime Minister Mickoski declared that this will be Macedonian policy under the future Government.Meanwhile, DUI are providing an amusing spectacle as they go through all the stages of grief as they come to terms with the fact that they will soon be in the opposition (and have some of the political insults and violations they once did now visited upon them). All in all, there's a lot happening and much of it good.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Political spring is in the air. Macedonian went to the polls last Wednesday, and in a landslide voted to throw the bums out. Actually, it's one bum for starters, Stevo Pendarovski, who was yugely beaten in the first round of the presidential elections. But this outcome, with a 2:1 ratio of victory for VMRO candidate Gordana Siljanovska - Davkova, announces a similar outcome in the all-important general elections that will take place on May 8th. This prompted a leadership struggle in SDSM, much anxiety in DUI - who are the primary target of VMRO, and even a rare investigation into corrupt SDSM officials. Jason and Cvetin talk about the expectations from the coming elections, who is talking to whom about forming a post-election coalition and if this is the end of the road for Ali Ahmeti. Tune in and get the latest before this crucial election.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

With the first round of the presidential elections drawing near, Jason and Cvetin get together for a podcast covering the latest in the campaign. Which is getting dirty, and dangerous. We cover a politically linked shooting, SDSM getting a journalist to do their bidding (and get himself arrested) as well as a slight change of tack by the US embassy (and a fun gaffe by their boss Blinken). As the polls show a handsome victory for VMRO in the making, SDSM tries to dispute the polls, but they could also face a leadership challenge shortly after the elections.Oh, and a beloved symbol of the city burnt down.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The US blackisted an active (long shot) presidential candidate, and a familiar face who they created and now destroyed. Meanwhile, the parties are naming their candidates, and SDSM is feeling the reality of the pre-election polls, as their coalition partners run to the hills and their candidates demand an (increasingly rare) safe spot on the list. And DUI is going full Red Scare on the country, hoping that they will get their political opponents on the US black list - or at least avoid being put on it themselves.All of this and more in the latest Macedonian Content Farmers podcast - and finally we also have a bit of feel-good news at the endOur Farmers’ Pick:https://efterklang.net/news/2024/cph-dox-makedoniumbandhttps://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/efterklang-unveil-new-single-getting-reminders-alongside-a-documentary?utm_content=buffer4f26a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=bufferMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The race is on, the presidential candidates have been announced - all seven of them - and just like the US, we are set for a replay of the previous presidential elections. SDSM is nominating the incumbent Stevo Pendarovski, and VMRO-DPMNE are again running with Gordana Siljanovska. But this time the Albanian vote is divided and won't stand behind Pendarovski (if they vote at all - there is talk of boycott), and SDSM's polls are flatlining. Siljanovska is not without her faults and SDSM did show some signs of life during the collection of signatures in support of Pendarovski, who is proving again that he is a dirty player in his opening attacks on the opponent.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

You find yourself stuck in one of the smallest European countries with no possibility to leave? You might as well record a podcast.This is how you find us, with Jason roaming the great wide spaces of the American SouthWest, but Cvetin is stuck in tiny Macedonia, with an invalid passport, together with over half a million others. The disastrous mishandling of the process to replace passports and print new ones with the loathed name "North Macedonia" led to the biggest case of mass house arrest in history. And Macedonians are seething at the Government, which will pay an even higher price in May for its antics.As for the elections, the Government's plan to unite all Albanians against VMRO failed spectacularly. There are now two serious competing Albanian groups, and DUI likely won't join SDSM in a coalition, to try to keep its nationalist street cred. This all spells disaster for SDSM. We explore the potential presidential candidates as well.We also discuss a major Politico article about Kosovo, which is very very relevant for Macedonia, as we are going down the same path or high level corruption and colonial management. Give it a listen, and give this article a read - https://www.politico.eu/article/how-the-us-broke-kosovo-and-what-that-means-for-ukraine/Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The Albanian nationalist cause strikes another major victory in the Balkans, as former UCK commander Talat Xhaferi is named the first Albanian Prime Minister of Macedonia. If SDSM and DUI have their way, Xhaferi may remain in this position for a while, or may continue in this role for the next two years, as a politically elected Prime Minister - this is apparently the concession that SDSM is willing to make to DUI in exchange for their votes in the approaching elections.This marriage made in Langley heaven is threatened by the opposition Albanian parties who are teaming up and plan to challenge DUI and its leader Ali Ahmeti. Hilarity ensues as Ahmeti - and his mentor, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama - accuse the Albanian opposition, and their mentor, Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti, of interfering in Macedonia's internal affairs. Meanwhile, Macedonians are nowhere to be seen or consulted about the running of what was, until less then a decade ago, their nation state.Join us for the latest episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcast where we discuss this major development.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

With Jason in Macedonia, we sit down for a rare in-person episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers. And he may be stuck here, as the Skopje airport is in the process of being taken over by DUI, with the predicable competence they bring to every public institution they run leading to protests, threats of closure of airspace and the beating of air traffic controllers in the control tower. But hey, stopping people from flying out is one way to reduce emigration. We also cover the coming elections, who is running whom for President, and the very rare and unlikely intervention of the Dutch Embassy against DUI.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The Macedonian Content Farmers podcast comes back to recap 2023, including a God awful development that came near its very end. We talk about the political background of the actors who carried out the murder of young Vanja, and how did we come to produce such people. We also talk about the coming elections, the expansion of the US black list and the very open support for DUI and SDS by the US State Department. And in the end, some predictions for 2024. And yet, we end on a note of hope.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The Americans finally put their golden boy Zoran Zaev on their poop-list, and the ambassador openly calls for him to be prosecuted. Meanwhile, two of his confidants are on trial - one of them not exactly carrying himself manly, even as he was more than happy to threaten political prisoners from the opposite side. Is this all happening because Zaev did not pay his dues, got tried to do business with a pro-Russian oligarch, or was he really planning to divide SDSM ahead of the elections? Jason Miko and Cvetin Chilimanov discuss the latest political drama in Macedonia on the new episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers show. Plus some culinary tipsMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

While we are obviously keeping our eyes with horrified intensity on the highway pile-up that is the Israel/Gaza war, and the Ukraine war, we manage to gather enough strength to return somewhat to Macedonian news today including how it is seen through the lens of how Macedonians and especially Albanians view the coming broader war. Cvetin lays out his thinking that Macedonians are now firmly in the broader Slavic block and are looking out to see how the West and the Muslim world will duke it out, and if it means that the Slavs will try to ally with the West again. And will the Albanians manage to keep their Western allegiance, ignoring the fact that they are Muslim. Jason gives his own perspective on what's the role the Holy Land will play in the coming Apocalypse. We also cover the now overt Albanian territorial claims on Macedonia, coming from both sides of their political divide. Give it a listen!Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Surprisingly little Macedonian content in a show produced under this title, which is to be expected given the opening of another front in what is shaping up to be a new world war. Jason and Cvetin discuss Israel and Gaza, the massacre of civilians and children, and the coming Israeli response. Given that Macedonia is also on the geopolitical fault line, we cover how people here, Macedonians and Albanians, respond to the disaster, as well as the reaction of the opinion makers in the country.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

It's a weird one. We have a major spat in VMRO, between Mickoski and Gruevski, and frankly we don't know where to begin. There are so many conspiracy theories from all sides about this drama - is the Embassy involved? Who is coordinating with whom? Gruevski with Kovacevski? Mickoski with Zaev? Ahmeti with all of the above? Mickoski with Gruevski? (even this is among the theories put forward by SDSM). We don't pick a side, but near the end, Cvetin goes on a rant describing the good and the bad points with both offers - if we can call them that.So join us as we begin the new season of the hit HBO show (HBO is the short for NGO - the non-governmental sector, that did so much damage to the country). It's likely that we'll be unrolling this drama for months to come.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Jason is in Macedonia! And weirdly optimistic about it (Cvetin does his best to bring him down to planet Earth). And the news help - the main news item is a morbid tale of thievery at the clinic where cancer patients are treated, with doctors and nurses apparently stealing chemo and selling it in Kosovo. We discuss this huge scandal, how it (likely) worked and the political ramifications. And also, the very strange decision by the SDSM majority in Parliament to change the criminal code overnight in a way that could help former VMRO officials who faced persecution over the past years, but also SDSM and DUI people in the future. Is it a sign of a deal on the Bulgarian amendments? Is there a deal with VMRO (or some in VMRO)? Is it an attempt to divide VMRO? We don't know, just asking questions. Oh yeah, and Macedonia celebrates its Independence Day. Or, should we say In Dependence Day.Give it a listenMusic by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

After our summer haitus, Cvetin and Jason come back - and not a moment too soon: the Albanians are becoming unruly and Parliament will begin discussing the constitutional amendments requested by Bulgaria this week. First things first: Even SDSM supporters were shocked by the aggressive displays of Albanian nationalism during the visit by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti - all together with maps of Greater Albania. The outrage is partly feigned - we are approaching elections and the Government has ignored worse from its approved Albanian partners (handlers?) But still, it's an interesting moment when the frog turns around and asks "it's gotten pretty hot 'round here, hasn't it?" Meanwhile, US ambasssador increases her presure on VMRO over the amendments, and Zaev, who may be offering a different type of a deal, is warned not to get too ahead of himself, as the noose around his top lieutenants draws closer.Give it a listen and get a head start on the events that are coming in September.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Arrests are back on the menu in Macedonia, as the Govenrment is running out of time and needs to force opposition members of Parliament to vote for their little deal with Bulgaria. Jason and Cvetin discuss the details of the new charges against opposition officials, and how they undermine Macedonian national identity - even after we witnessed what the similar concessions made to Greece in 2019 did to the country. We have an amusing example of how identity politics backfired - as the left was trying to redefine gender, it immediately has consequences for the national identity. We also talk about the extremely rare example of American scrutiny for the Albanians, and even rarer that it's directed at the DUI party. Is it the real deal, or is the Embassy just trying to provide some cover for itself, as it orders more arrests of VMRO people? We're about to find out. Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Jason and Cvetin are forced to do an emergency podcast, as suddenly all the political rules in Macedonia got thrown out the window, and the three key parties, VMRO, SDSM and DUI are putting out all sorts of crazy ideas - a grand coalition, a Macedonia first grand coalition without DUI, voting on the Bulgarian amendments but with a long time delay fuse... In short, VMRO is trying to get the all-powerful DUI out of the Government and divide this party into factions that would scrabble with each other and the other Albanian parties. SDSM and DUI are trying to get VMRO inside the Government, and get it to vote on the Bulgarian amendments, hoping it will poison the support this party has among ethnic Macedonians. Zaev is supporting the first option, but is he secretly trying to orchestrate the second option? Is Gruevski somehow involved? Will this end with a pyre of bribery, intimidation and arrests of members of Parliament, like the one that followed the Prespa Treaty? Will there be a Red Wedding? All this, and more, in the latest episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcast.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Even experienced Balkan watchers are confused at the recent dramatic change in tone from the United States (and the EU, but who cares about them) toward Kosovo. After decades of taking the Albanian side even when they were obviously in the wrong (hint: attacking Macedonia), the US is now praising Serbia for its attitude toward the recent Ohrid agreement and is condeming Kosovo as the uncooperative side. In light of this tectonic change, Cvetin and Jason sit down to discuss what could be behind it, and what it will turn in to. Could it mean that Kosovo is now also on the menu and how will it affect Macedonia (which is most defintiely on the menu).Tune in for this latest episode of the Macedonian Content Farmers podcast.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

It's on! The US Embassy is now openly endorsing the DUI - SDSM Government, and wants Macedonians to accept the Bulgarian demands for constitutional amendments, and to just shut the bleep up about the travesty of the Bechtel highway deal. Cvetin and Jason had to jump back in the podcasting saddle (after a long - too long break due to pressing matters of international importance) to shed light on the Embassy arm twisting - the likes of which we haven't seen since 2016. If VMRO was trying to make a deal with the Embassy (asking for early elections in exchange for secretly promising that the next Parliament will vote in the Bulgarian amendments) now it seems that the US will stick to its favored coalition of DUI and SDSM, and pressure tactics are back in play. And with Parliament expected to have a proposal in the summer, things are going to move fast. Some push-back is coming from the EU, on the issue of Bechtel, but on the other hand, EU is even more intent on having Macedonia accept the Bulgarian demands - a German diplomat came to Skopje to darkly warn about uncertain future for the country is we don't vote on the matter ASAP (and Serbian and Bulgarian politicians are openly talking about war and partition). Meanwhile, actually Kovacevski seems eager to turn up the heat in the fight with Bulgaria, accusing them of acting as bad as Russia does toward Ukraine. Now you know why we had to do a podcast, and will probably have to keep a more regular schedule in the weeks to come.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

Who says that societal decline can't be a laughing matter? Jason and Cvetin find the humorous side in the on-going gang war in Skopje, DUI's newfound appetite for majority rule and the planned bulldozing of archeological sites. We discuss how VMRO found a way to turn the debate about the Constitution on its head and actually score some points against SDSM and the Albanians by - gasp - demanding that Macedonians rolls back some of the endless national concessions they made over the decades. But also how their move prompted calls for federalization of the country from the Government's most recently added Albanian party. As we are contract bound, we also discuss how the Bulgarian elections may affect Macedonia and the harsh language with which Pendarovski refused their request to have a formal seat at the committee drafting the constitutional amendments. And we can't resist but talk about the Balkan Twitter sensation - Gunther the Austrian who is very good (too good?) at pushing buttons, and his antics in the Holocaust Museum in Skopje.All this, and more, in the latest Macedonian Content Farmers podcast.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

After investing millions in a Colored Revolution to bring its favored crew in power in Macedonia, the US Government now comes to collect. The Bechtel corporation, widely known as an arm of the State Department, signed a huge deal worth 1.3 billion with the Government to build us a couple of highways. Jason and Cvetin explain all the problems with the deal - including the fact that it was a no-bid arrangement - no competitive offers were even entertained; it will likely grow to at least 2 billion when all the bells and whistles are involved; the country gets no EU funding because it was, well, a secretive, corrupt no-bid deal that didn't go to an EU company; and any political clout Macedonia may buy in Washington by forking over a fifth of its GDP are worse than lost - they are counterproductive, because the deal was negotiated by the Albanian element in the Government and will benefit the Albanian cause more than the Macedonian cause. Bechtel and the State Department didn't bother to play ball even in small things, such as calling the natives living in the country you're plundering by their chosen name.Meanwhile the Government is in full gansterism mode, extorting companies as it tries to rig prices of staple products, and the original gangsters are out-gangstering the politicians by killing each other in the streets. And Zaev is now openly working to bring down the Government.All this, and more, in the latest Macedonian Content Farmers podcast.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

We kinda knew that we are getting close to the point where Macedonians will have to make a US style land acknowledgement to Albanians - as our ancient predecessors to this land - but now it comes with a new twist - Albanians are renaming themselves into Dardanians. This new development comes after an ancient engraved piece of marble was found near Skopje with the words Dardanus - which the Albanians take to mean that the city always was and always will be - Illirian, or Albanian. The drama over Dardanization comes together with another Albanian nationalist push - to create a statelet within Macedonia, with its executive institutions, an assembly, a President, and local powers, inspired by the similar demands from Kosovo with regard to its Serbian minority. As the (nominally) Macedonian element in the Government continues to make concessions, the Albanians are naturally becoming emboldened to press their demands ever further.Meanwhile, Government officials are busy enriching themselves, with real-estate corruption and contract rigging, but also by trying to take-over entire industries - big ones at that. The Government decided to help out its friends in the industrial bakeries, by giving them energy subsidies, only to use this gift as an excuse to turn on them and try to run their companies - fixing prices and even ordering them to resume production at a loss. The predictable result (at least for the old folks who were here during the 1980ies, and 1990ies) is - you guessed it - bread shortages in the supermarkets.We cover these news, but also touch on the Bulgarian elections, where Cvetin has a dire prediction from the possible first election victory of a post national, modern style "liberal" party. Tune in for the latest round of messiness from Macedonia.Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

The Goce Delcev gathering in Skopje did not turn into a violent incident but it still managed to deteriorate relations between Macedonia and Bulgaria even further. It became a show of force, with smaller incidents on the border and in Blagoevgrad, and the veto all but assured - even as diplomats continue to advise Macedonia to "hold its nose and swallow" the Bulgarian demands.Concurrently, a political crisis is developing in Skopje. The Government is reshuffling its Albanian partners just to get to the exact same slim number of seats its "majority" held before. Running to stand still. The whole operation could still collapse and drag Kovacevski's Government down, but it could also turn into a permanent, Albanian dominated ruling majority that will be held in place by the diplomats on Mt. Kale and Mt. Vodno. It would also formally put an end to Macedonia as a Macedonian nation state. But we try to keep the show cheerful. Promise!Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com

With a nod and slight paraphrase of the famous book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Cvetin and Jason meet up virtually to talk about near future events and possibly incidents – in this case the 151st birthday of Macedonian patriot and hero Goce Delcev – and all of the rhetoric and actions swirling around and between Macedonia and Bulgaria these days. They also touch on the machinations of Macedonia’s ethnic Albanian parties and what they are demanding (or will demand), the plans and plots of SDSM and VMRO, the involvement of the US Ambassador (Jess Baily 2.0) and Embassy in this hot mess, and more. And they celebrate, as much as one can do over the interwebs, the 150th episode of this very niche podcast on all things Macedonia. Have a listen!Music by:- Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute)With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit macedoniancontentfarmers.substack.com