SDSM's Internal War Continues: Who Really Controls the Party — Membership Cards, Backroom Deals or the Base?
Filipče's leadership accuses the dissidents of serving VMRO-DPMNE's interests, while the "12:05" Platform insists the membership stands with them.
The conflict between SDSM's leadership, headed by Venko Filipče, and the dissident "12:05" Platform continues to escalate, with a central question dominating public debate: who actually controls the party's structures — the official leadership, local organizations, or ordinary members?
The platform, whose leaders include several former party officials, claims real grassroots support is on their side and is demanding structural changes — a single electoral district, open lists, and a change in leadership. The official leadership counters that the dissidents are effectively serving the interests of ruling party VMRO-DPMNE, accusing them of manufacturing an artificial crisis.
Analysts say the real test will come at the party's next convention or assembly, where the balance of power will officially be tallied — whether it lies with membership cards registered on paper, informal arrangements within local branches, or the genuine will of the active membership.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · September 28, 2026
