Macedonian Leadership 'Suffers Fall in Popularity'

Gruevski’s popularity fell by three points to 18 per cent in the past half year since the previous IRI survey, shows the poll carried out at the end of August.

However, the popularity of his main rival, Branko Crvenkovski from the opposition Social Democrats, SDSM, has remained the same at nine per cent.

Although Gruevski’s ratings fell sharply, his party would still win elections if they are held now, the survey report said.

VMRO DPMNE party would win with a convincing 28.7 per cent of votes, while the SDSM would get 15 per cent.

In the Albanian political block the junior ruling party, the Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, strengthened its support from eight to 10 per cent.

The opposition Democratic Party of Albanians, DPA, has three per cent, one less than the last opinion poll, while the New Democracy, ND, party has two per cent support.

The DUI head Ali Ahmeti enjoys five per cent popularity, while the ND leader Imer Selmani has three. The head of DPA has two per cent.

The poll also showed a fall in optimism among voters.

Only 19 percent of respondents said they thought their country was moving in the right direction, while 23 per cent were optimistic compared to the previous IRI opinion poll done in the spring.

Some 43 percent thought the country was following the "wrong path".

A total of 32 per cent believe the government can handle the effects of the global economic crisis while 59 were pessimistic.