Thousands march against government in Macedonia

Skopje: Several thousand people marched Tuesday along the streets of Macedonian capital Skopje protesting against the rule of conservative leader Nikola Gruevski`s VMRO-DPMNE party ahead of December snap elections.

The march, called by the main opposition social democrats, was symbolically held on the 75th anniversary of Macedonia`s anti-Fascist uprising against Bulgarians, Italian and German occupiers at the beginning of World War II.

"We are writing history, toppling a regime, getting back our freedom," opposition leader Zoran Zaev told the rally in front of the parliament`s building, where the march ended.

"Our weapon is our vote," Zaev told the crowd as protesters chanted "Freedom, freedom!" and "The fight continues!" waving with Macedonian national flags.

The rally was the first mass street protest since June when thousands of opposition and pro-government supporters demonstrated daily.

Macedonia has been deep in political crisis since February 2015, when Zaev began releasing tapes that appeared to reveal official and widespread wiretapping, top-level corruption and other crimes.

After street protests on both sides, the European Union stepped in to mediate a deal that included early elections. 

Gruevski stepped down in January to make way for the election after 10 years in power.

Having delayed the vote twice due to opposition claims that conditions for free and fair elections had not been met, leaders of four main political parties, including Gruevski and Zaev, agreed to hold snap polls on December 11.

Regular polls were due in 2018.

Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2005 but has yet to open accession talks.