Macedonian Content Farmers podcast

The Macedonian government is trying to introduce legislation which will allow citizens to sue each other for “negative opinions” or “disparaging remarks” or some other form of so-called “hate speech” because it wants citizens to be nice to each other – and that’s an order! Actually, the reason likely has much to do with Bulgaria and Bulgaria’s attempt to erase Macedonian language and history but nevertheless, government policing speech is definitely not a good thing. Cvetin and Jason discuss these issues, as well as the economy, the government’s attempt to make Macedonia rich by building more shopping malls, and more. Plus a good news Farmers’ Pick! Farmers’ Pick: https://www.facebook.com/WineBerryMK Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

With Zaev finally out, his successor Dimitar Kovacevski goes down the same path - starting what he hopes will be a term in office by asking for an audience with US Ambassador and the real ruler of Macedonia - Kate Byrnes. The meeting apparently went well, and the next day Kovacevski, who few people have heard of just a few weeks ago, was given the mandate to form the next Government. We still haven't seen the line-up he will send to Parliament, but in SDSM, where he replaced Zaev two weeks ago, he has already removed most of Zaev's top henchmen from the party leadership positions. Old party boss Branko Crvenkovski, who broke with Zaev over Zaev's prostrations before Bulgaria, is strengthening his positions in the party. We will see whether it's a full take-over and also, whether Crvenkovski and Kovacevski will actually take a hard line on Bulgaria and change Zaev's policy, or if it was just a bluff to get him out of the picture. And elsewhere, Macedonia is in a deep, dark winter with increasing prices and inflation, electricity and gas price hikes and very little to look forward to other than the daily litany of corruption and humiliations. But, Jason still tries to sneak in a little dose of good cheer in the podcast with his Farmers' Pick. Farmers’ Pick: https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-macedonia/?fbclid=IwAR1gu-X84Lh3--un2TwkRpPMQGZ7yC85zvYVzRPev9RBn_4rdQEPCsWnYmw Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

There are changes afoot in Macedonia – SDSM has “elected” a “new” leader as outgoing prime minister Zoran Zaev prepares to step down. Smaller political parties that are a part of his government complain about what his new best friends forever – the BESA party – got in governmental positions in return for their votes. Will they now demand more or leave? How will this all work out? And will Macedonians become a minority in their own government? We now know that Macedonia will not begin EU accession talks as Bulgaria continues its veto. Can VMRO-DPMNE do any better? They’ve just reelected party leader Hristijan Mickoski who now promises to enlarge the party. Will it happen? Cvetin and Jason suss all of this – and more – out in this edition. Have a listen! Farmers’ Pick: https://sp-zarov.medium.com/places-in-macedonia-that-should-have-world-heritage-site-status-b04d84bb0dd6 Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

As Macedonia buries the 45 victims of the Besa Tours bus disaster in Bulgaria in late November, the Zaev Government even messes up what should be a mournful and dignified event as the bodies are returned home. Cvetin and Jason discuss issues around this sad event in Macedonia’s history before moving on to ever-present political events as Macedonians wait on Zoran Zaev to finally leave, at least politics and the premiership. They talk about the upcoming SDSM leadership contest, the instability in parliament, the fact that Zaev is hostage to certain political actors, and the continuing veto from Bulgaria, and more. Have a listen! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Things in Macedonia were moving rapidly over the past week since Zoran Zaev and his regime were nearly overthrown save for one kidnapped MP but now have slowed down as the hot mess that is Macedonian politics devolves into an absurd theatre. Cvetin and Jason get together to try to make sense of it all as Zaev does not have a working majority, the opposition, led by VMRO, doesn’t quite have enough votes to bring down his government, and as Zoran Zaev himself continues to be missing, in a manner of speaking. Throw into this mix the recent Bulgarian elections and their continuing ridiculous demands on Macedonia and you have yourself Balkan politics at its finest. Have a listen! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

As political events rapidly unfold in Macedonia this second week of November, Cvetin and Jason provide a more compact podcast yet one full of information and analysis on how Zoran Zaev and his government of SDSM and DUI officials might finally go this week or shortly thereafter. While Zaev said he would resign last week, after his disastrous showing in local elections, he has since gone back on his word. Now a vote of no confidence has been scheduled in parliament for the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – this Thursday. Have a listen as the guys break it all down for you. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

In this episode, Cvetin and Jason include a fair number of Star Wars references and lots of laughs as they suss out the recent local elections (Round 1) in Macedonia, talk about the winners (VMRO-DPMNE) and losers (Zoran Zaev and his SDSM), what it means for Round 2, and what it holds for the future. And – get out our Bingo drinking cards! – they include references to Burke, Locke, and Solzhenitsyn as they dive into Zaev’s claim that the opposition is EVIL! and what this means for the EVIL! opposition (hint: they are angry and motivated in Round 2), and critically, the “don’t knows” and “not sures” (hint: they are also angry and motivated in Round 2) who can swing an election. And they briefly touch on the very distinct possibility of fraud and vote rigging in past elections. Does all of this electioneering portend a New Hope for Macedonia?! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason record this ep three years to that awful day in 2018 when Prime Minister Zoran Zaev held his failed referendum on changing Macedonia’s name and identity – September 30. The fact that the referendum failed, however, did not deter him from moving forward by giving away the country. How’s that project going? As they count the costs of that debacle, they discuss the end of the census in Macedonia and guess what? Macedonia cannot have 1.8 million voters when it only counted 1.8 million Macedonians including children in the Republic and over 200,000 Diaspora. Cvetin gives a thorough analysis of the upcoming October 17 local elections, they touch on the recent news report that EU membership is effectively closed for the states of the Western Balkans, and they note that the Woke continue defiling Macedonia and her children – wait till you hear about the Scouts sex camp for children and the gay performance “artist” who took and then posted provocative pictures of him in Macedonian churches. All is not lost (yet), however, and they end on a high note with two Farmers’ picks. Have a listen! Farmers’ Picks: Dr. Sashko Kedev conquers the 8,163-meter peak of Manaslu in the Himalayas and brings Macedonia with him! Check it out here, including the video: https://www.expres.mk/makedonija-tamu-kade-shto-stignale-samo-16-planinari-od-cel-svet-video/ Cool photographs from Macedonia’s past now in color – check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/mkincolor Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason return after what should have been a joyous Independence Day for Macedonia on September 8 which instead was marred by a fire in a makeshift Covid hospital in Tetovo that claimed the lives of 15 and injured 11. They discuss the calls for the resignations of health minister Venko Filipce and his deputy while explaining why prime minister Zoran Zaev will likely not accept Filipce’s resignation (hint: local elections are October 17). Cvetin does a deep dive into the tragedy of the continuing corruption rampant throughout Macedonia’s government and oligarchs, the continuing decline in the rule of law, and both lads discuss the ongoing Covid crisis and more. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason record this podcast on September 1, the start of Macedonia’s school year, and discuss the back-to-school situation in Macedonia, the ongoing Covid crisis, upcoming local elections (Cvetin gives a masterful analysis of this), the census, Afghanistan, the hit to the US and NATO, and the Afghan refugees now in Macedonia, the upcoming 30th anniversary of Macedonia’s independence as a modern-day nation-state and more! Have a listen. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

It might be the middle of a long, hot, summer, but Cvetin and Jason have things to discuss including the latest attempts by Zoran Zaev to enrich himself, his family, and his cronies by making Macedonia a hub for exporting marijuana and importing garbage (you’ll have to listen to believe it). They discuss the no-bid and perhaps multi-billion dollar road project given to American construction company Bechtel, the erosion of legitimacy of US, EU and Macedonian government institutions, plus much more. Have a listen! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason get together to discuss parts of the book by James Pardew, “Peacemakers: American Leadership and the End of Genocide in the Balkans” (2018, The University Press of Kentucky), which covers his involvement in the countries of Southeastern Europe, including Macedonia, from 1995 to 2008. As the 20th anniversary of the so-called Ohrid Framework Agreement comes up, the lads look at some key parts of the book, especially those that relate to Macedonia, as well as how NATO has expanded, in terms of its self-described mandate, since the end of the Cold War. They also get some current news in including – shock! – Angela Merkel’s assertion that no one could have seen Bulgaria’s veto coming, and more! Farmers Pick: https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/06/11/this-toronto-based-website-surged-to-a-half-billion-dollar-valuation-almost-overnight-thanks-in-part-to-interest-from-conservative-american-investors.html Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

For their first podcast of June and as we slip into summer, Cvetin and Jason begin by noting the death of James Pardew, former US Ambassador to Bulgaria and diplomat involved, often controversially, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and of course, Macedonia. They discuss Ali Ahmeti’s new “green” agenda (and how his party has been anything but environmentally-focused in the past), more Zaev scandals, VMRO protests, Bulgarian demands, and more! And Cvetin goes on a long, but measured rant you’ll want to hear. Have a listen! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

We have a bit more reflective podcast this week as Jason reminisces on his recent 25th anniversary of being involved in and with Macedonia and the Macedonians, including his story of how he got there in the first place. Cvetin and Jason discuss many past events and people of the past quarter century and also share their thoughts about the nation-state and sovereignty, how that is under attack and what to do about it and more. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason cover a range of topics in this episode starting with events far from Macedonia but impacting Macedonians, namely the Hamas bombing of Israel and the reaction of some leftists in Macedonia to it (Allahu Akbar!). They tackle the recent party congress of comrades in SDSM and the defenestration of Radmila Sekersinska, and what this means for Zoran Zaev, the education minister’s continuing attempt to erase Macedonian history (and parallels with the same attempt by progressive leftists in the US to do the same), and more. Plus their Farmers’ Pick! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

After a brief hiatus, Cvetin and Jason catch up on the latest news coming out of Macedonia including the recent Europe Day (or is it Day of Europe?) and VE Day celebrations in Macedonia – but not for Macedonia because, alas, Macedonia still does not have a date to begin EU accession talks. And not just that, but it looks as though Albania will begin those talks sooner than Macedonia due to Bulgaria’s ongoing veto. It really is a hot mess though the lads do get in a Big Lebowski reference which is always good for a laugh. All of that and more in this episode! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Radmila Sekerinska, the minister of defense and powerful vice president of the SDSM party in Macedonia (prior to 1991, the League of Communists of Macedonia) recently announced she will not stand for reelection as vice president at the party congress next month. Cvetin and Jason suss out what that might mean for prime minister Zoran Zaev and they chat about the recent major protest against the government, and what that means for Zaev’s government. But first, they (almost) gloat about how they got former US Ambassador to Macedonia, Larry Butler, to quit the Twitters, and more. Plus their Farmers’ Pick! Farmers’ Pick: https://macedoniatimes.news/mountaineering-club-ljuboten-96-years/ Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

It’s been about two weeks since Cvetin and Jason gathered to gab and one of them has a good excuse. As they catch up, they chat about the madness that continues to engulf Macedonia (or is it a circus?) with hazmat suits in parliament, intercepted marijuana shipments that are related to the Zoran Zaev family (and the involvement of the American Drug Enforcement Agency), passports and ID cards handed out by Zaev’s Ministry of the Interior to local and regional criminals and much, much more! Plus their Farmers’ Pick! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

…and here I am stuck in the middle with EU. Cvetin and Jason talk quite a bit about what the US Embassy in Macedonia and the State Department, have been up to in Macedonia and the possibility (one of several possibilities) that their interference (especially around the issue of the census) will, ultimately, invite two NATO members on either side of Macedonia to have a bit of Macedonia. Far fetched? Not so fast. But to start they discuss the totally, utterly embarrassing Zaev Government response to the coronas, the vaccinations available in Serbia, and end up talking about the upcoming elections in Bulgaria and more. All of that plus their Farmers’ Pick! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

As Macedonians face the grim milestone of 4,000 deaths in the coronavirus pandemic, Cvetin and Jason gather to discuss the ongoing pandemic in the country, the government’s failures in addressing it in the past (as well as the fact that finally, some vaccines are getting in the arms of Macedonians), and the new curfews in place for Ramadan and maybe for Easter. They briefly touch on the census, now postponed to September, and the recent Bulgarian elections and what that means for Macedonia. Plus their Farmers’ Pick! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) - Slavi Trifonov (Jovano, Jovanke) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason bring you news you can use such as the news that the government of Zoran Zaev is essentially doubling its defense budget by purchasing US Stryker vehicles at a cost of $210 million – but there are no offsets leading to some pointed questions. In the meantime, while the Macedonian government is splurging on unneeded toys, the coronavirus rages across the country with no end, and no vaccines, in sight. But hey, those Stryker vehicles! They dive into the census, ethnic Albanians’ power grab, and more, plus their Farmers’ pick! Jason's Farmers' Pick: https://rumble.com/vcy29p-mountain-drone-video-ponikva-osogovo-macedonia.html Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason begin this episode talking about butter – yes, butter. Turns out the Zaev government uncovered 4.5 tons of expired German butter and declared it a victory in the war on corruption! Sadly, there are many more real scandals in Macedonia at the moment and the lads dutifully go through the list including the arrest of businessman Orce Kamcev on questionable grounds, the ongoing vaccines scandals involving health care minister Venko Filipce, this time involving a shell company out of American Samoa and the Chinese vaccines, a Bulgarian flag appearing in Macedonia’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest and more! Plus, a new Farmers’ Pick from Japanese singer Kazuhiro Kotetsu! Farmers’ Pick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB9HxeiY7UM Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) - Kazihuro Kotetsu (Zemjo Makedonsko - Land of Macedonia) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason laugh a lot in this episode, mostly at the ineptitudes of the Zaev government. They cover a lot of ground including the sentencing of Sasho Mijalkov, vaccine distribution (what vaccine distribution?) the upcoming census and of course, Bulgarian government foolishness. They also dive into the bravery of MANU’s defense of Macedonia, chat briefly about their growing media empire on Substack, and more. That plus Farmers’ Picks this week! Farmers’ Picks: Goce Delcev comes back to life! https://twitter.com/mitkoveta/status/1366094143487901701 Krste Misirkov comes back to life! https://twitter.com/mitkoveta/status/1366098980682297355 Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason DO talk about Macedonia but first delve into a discussion of beloved children’s books by Dr. Seuss and cancel culture in general, thinking they might be able to make a fortune by buying all of the Dr. Seuss books in Macedonia. Then they chat about Zoran Zaev’s latest and desperate attempts to save himself and his government by proposing a government of national unity to VMRO-DPMNE (which said, in no uncertain terms, no), the fecal festival that is the vaccine distribution (or rather, lack thereof) in Macedonia, and some weightier topics like global governance and more! And a Farmer’s Pick again this week, your top five places to visit in Macedonia, just in time for the upcoming summer. Farmers’ Picks: https://ncclinked.com/2021/03/04/top-five-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-macedonia/ Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) - Tose Proeski (Ako odam vo Bitola - If I go to Bitola) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason talk about the circus that came to Macedonia this week, that of former secret police chief Sasho Mijalkov and his “escape” from the country for about 48 hours before he casually reappeared and turned himself in, and the fiasco, farce, charade, whatever you want to call it that is associated with this embarrassing moment in Zoran Zaev’s government. Cvetin gives an extensive history lesson about the Mijalkov family, Jason goes on a rant about limited government, and both try to discern what all this means for an increasingly shaky government as smaller coalition parties hint at leaving. They also chat up the new platform that this podcast will be on – Substack – and more! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name