THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHOULD BE NON-POLITICIZED

Stefan Mitikj

Abstract


This policy brief examines the pervasive problem of political influence in North Macedonia’s public administration, focusing on how partisan appointments undermine institutional effectiveness, accountability, and public trust. Despite existing legal frameworks, the absence of a robust system for merit-based recruitment enables the persistence of nepotism and political favouritism across senior management positions. Drawing on empirical evidence and recent cases, the paper identifies key procedural weaknesses in selection and evaluation processes that compromise administrative performance. It argues for the adoption of a comprehensive Law on Senior Management Service to establish transparent, competence-based criteria for appointments and performance assessments. The proposed reforms—rooted in meritocracy, transparency, and accountability—aim to strengthen institutional capacity, improve service delivery, and restore citizens’ confidence in democratic governance.

 

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Keywords


public administration; merit-based recruitment; political appointments; governance reform; institutional trust; North Macedonia; accountability; civil service professionalism

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v11i4.2059

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