CvetinChillimanov

After a hiatus of nearly a month, Cvetin and Jason return to talk about the collapse of Afghanistan, the serious damage done to the reputation and credibility of the US and NATO, and what this means for Macedonia as NATO’s newest member. They touch on Kipling, Hemmingway, empire, wokeism, pride, refugees and of course, drugs. And they manage to get in a few words about upcoming local elections in Macedonia, upcoming parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, Covid, and more. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Once again Cvetin and Jason talk football, and specifically Macedonian football (with an honorable mention of the Hungarian team) and what that means for Macedonia. Of course the Greeks had to go and get their knickers in a knot, getting all upset over a mention of the Macedonian Football Team by Zoran Zaev, so Zaev went and groveled before them. All of this, however, points toward a larger issue of a deliberate attempt to erase Macedonian identity which they discuss in more detail. They also talk polls, flags, and more. Plus their Farmers’ Pick! 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

Cvetin and Jason begin this ep talking about how epic it is that Macedonia and Macedonian football (soccer to our American listeners!) has taken to the world stage, in this case, the European Championships, Euro 2020! This is the first time in Macedonia’s history that the team has achieved this goal and we’ll all be watching to see how many goals the Macedonians score. In the meantime, the Greeks go all sour over the Football Federation of Macedonia’s team logo on their jersey (and Greece isn’t even playing!) so the lads discuss the Greek’s childish outburst and much more in this episode. Plus their Farmers’ Pick which, we guarantee you, will make you proud! Farmers Pick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok7YiHiUnR4 Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Zoltan Koskovics, analyst for the Center for Fundamental Rights from Budapest, and Cvetin Chilimanov, journalist from Macedonia, get together for a second episode of their occassional podcast. The discussion is focused on the Hungarian elections, with their result that was a huge shock (to the experts, and nobody else really), and how both countries, Macedonia and Hungary, view the war in Ukraine. A major development in Macedonia - the recognition of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and how it also ties to the war in Ukraine - is another topic of discussion. Finally, the large conservative CPAC conference in Budapest, that is fast making Hungary a political center for the European and American right. We hope you will find the discussion interesting.

In this long-ish episode, Cvetin and Jason discuss events of the past few weeks surrounding the recognition of the independence of the Macedonian Orthodox Church by the Serbian Orthodox Church and the declaration to be in communion with other Orthodox churches by the patriarch in Constantinople – What does it all mean? Is it all good news? What is the history involved? They then pivot to Bulgaria (of course!) and the latest moves by the Bulgarian government to keep Macedonia from starting EU accession talks (isn’t that a good thing?!) before delving, briefly, into the state of the economy and inflation. They end on a laugh! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

In this first podcast of May, Cvetin and Jason reconvene to discuss a potpourri of issues including continued Bulgarian demands that Macedonians commit identity suicide, gangster/politician Ali Ahmeti’s contention that his new 20 meter tall monument to dead NLA fighters from his 2001 war will “bring Macedonians and Albanians together,” the latest moves by VMRO-DPMNE to push for new elections, identity issues around the Macedonian Orthodox Church (and Macedonian identity issues in general) and much more. Plus, their Farmers’ Pick, a good one showcasing Macedonia from two Polish adventurers! Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) Our Farmers’ Pick: https://www.bluephoto.pl/majowa-przygoda-macedonia/ With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

It’s the middle of April, more or less, and Cvetin and Jason gather again to discuss a bit of everything going in in Macedonia, including Bulgaria’s latest (and constant) demands on and of Macedonia, as well as the Macedonian government’s obscure response. They touch on the arrest of SDSM party official and secretary general of the government, Mohammed Zekiri, and pause to reflect on the issue of arrests of SDSM government officials while DUI officials are left to continue with their raping and pillaging (in a manner of speaking) and how this all relates to US State Department policy. They lament the ongoing teachers’ strike but end on not one, but two high notes with their Farmers’ Pick and in wishing all Orthodox Christians a very Happy Easter! Христос воскресе! Навистина воскресе! Our Farmers’ Pick: https://english.republika.mk/sport/handball/macedonias-national-handball-team-qualifies-for-the-world-championship/

Macedonia’s long-awaited census numbers are released and…nobody is happy. With the exception of the ruling parties and their corrupt elite, of course. Cvetin and Jason gather once again to suss out some of those numbers and try to make sense of it all. And what it means, longer term (hint: think of a certain Hemmingway quote). They also delve into the madness of Bulgaria, the teacher’s strike (not the best thing to do if you care about Macedonia’s future, her children), and almost don’t talk about Ukraine! They end on a high note, however, with some good news and their Farmers’ Picks. Have a listen. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) Our Farmers’ Pick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nbfh12nbD4 With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

It is springtime, at least in the northern hemisphere, which should be a precursor to happier times, so Cvetin and Jason get together to talk about the latest events in Macedonia, including the upcoming census results, due out March 30, the start (or rather not) of EU accession talks for Macedonia and Bulgaria’s incessant demands, and of course, Ukraine, among other subjects. It’s not all happy talk though (leave it to the lads to laugh a bit while discussing dreadful things) and this episode might leave you without any resolution on things. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) - Mel Brooks - Springtime for Hitler With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

Cvetin and Jason dive into the war in Ukraine and engage in a lively discussion about why this happened, what it means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the world. Since this is a podcast about Macedonia and Macedonians, they also talk about the Macedonian reaction, including the government, opposition, and social media response to what is going on; there’s not much good news in all of this and the entire situation is fraught with danger for all. They also touch on China and its reaction, along with some thoughts about the direction of this war and the aftermath. Music by: - Mizar (Pocesna strelba - Last salute) With gratitude to Mark Steyn for giving us the idea for the podcast name

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