The 2024 presidential election in North Macedonia saw the defeat of incumbent Stevo Pendarovski by a wide margin, resulting in the ascension of the country's first female president. This electoral victory followed a previous failed bid in 2019, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape under the banner of the VMRO-DPMNE party.
Academic and Early Professional Background
Born in Ohrid in 1953, she completed her primary and secondary schooling in Skopje. She earned her law degree from the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje in 1978, later obtaining a master's degree from the same institution. In 1994, she secured her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Ljubljana with a thesis titled Local Self-Government — Between Norms and Reality. Her academic trajectory at the Faculty of Law in Skopje began as an assistant professor of political systems in 1989, eventually reaching the rank of full professor in 2004. Her teaching portfolio includes constitutional law and contemporary political systems, supported by the authorship of approximately 200 scientific papers.
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Before her presidency, she contributed to various governmental and international bodies. She served as a member of the Constitutional Commission of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia between 1990 and 1992 and held the position of minister without portfolio in the first cabinet of Branko Crvenkovski from 1992 to 1994. Her international experience includes working as a UN expert and serving on the Venice Commission from 2008 to 2016, where she focused on the judiciary and democratic institutions. Additionally, she served as vice president of the Independent Local Self-Government Group of the Council of Europe.
The 2024 Presidential Mandate
Inaugurated on 12 May 2024, her presidency began with immediate friction regarding international diplomacy. During her inaugural address, she referred to the nation as Macedonia rather than North Macedonia, triggering a protest walkout by the Greek ambassador and criticism from the European Union leadership. On 6 June 2024, she tasked Hristijan Mickoski with forming a new government following his party's plurality in the assembly elections. Her administration remains centered on debates regarding the Prespa Agreement and the Good Neighborhood Agreement with Bulgaria, both of which she has publicly challenged.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Ohrid
- Education: Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, University of Ljubljana
- Academic Title: Doctor of Philosophy
- Political Party: VMRO-DPMNE
- Presidential Inauguration: 12 May 2024
- Languages: Croatian, Macedonian
Questions readers ask
Is Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova the first woman to lead North Macedonia?
Yes, she is the first woman to be elected as president of the country.
What is her primary academic specialization?
She is a jurist and professor specializing in constitutional law and political systems.
Achievements
- member of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia
- President of North Macedonia (from 2024)
- Educated at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje and University of Ljubljana
