Kuzmanovska: Young people are not kept by slogans, but by a state without corruption

As Kuzmanovska stated in the interview for TV 24’s “Triling” program, as reported by Racine, Stefania Kuzmanovska, 27, a chemical engineer specialized in analytical biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is the new chairwoman of the Social Democratic Youth of Macedonia — the SDSM youth wing.

Her key message is that young people are not kept in North Macedonia by slogans or personal connections, but by a state without corruption, a functional rule of law, and quality education and healthcare. She stressed that youth policy must be led with knowledge, clear values and concrete measures.

On the political scene, she said, a new culture is needed: ideas, programs and values should compete — not insults, personal attacks and elitism. Kuzmanovska said there is no magic formula for successful political organization — quality people, a clear ideology, principles and dedicated work are needed.

On emigration, the new social-democratic youth chairwoman noted that the economy is not the only reason young people leave: corruption, distrust in institutions, weak rule of law and dissatisfaction with education and healthcare push them away. She said young people want a predictable system where the rules apply to everyone and professional advancement does not depend on political or personal connections.

As concrete measures, Kuzmanovska cited the subsidized student meal and the 100 percent increase in student scholarships, adding that positive youth policies must continue regardless of changes in power. She also mentioned the 2024 “Manifesto of Social Democracy” — living standards, equal opportunities and the European future of young people.

Kuzmanovska, who comes from Demir Hisar and worked at the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, stressed the importance of balanced regional development and decentralization. “I stayed to contribute here because I have the ambition and capacity for positive change. I want to see Macedonia as a progressive and European state,” she said at the end of the interview.