Key Figure in Macedonian Ruling Party Quits

His newly appointed successor, Kiril Bozinovski, replaced Protogjer on Monday.

Amid media speculations of possible turmoil in the ruling party, fueled by Protogjer’s surprising resignation, VMRO DPMNE officials insist it was a routine shift in seats.

In his resignation letter last Friday, Protogjer wrote that he was leaving the post “out of personal reasons” related with health. Protogjer is leaving a year before his regular four-year term expires.

He remains head of the Prime Minister’s cabinet, a post that he holds for six years. He also remains a member of the ruling party’s executive committee.

The post of secretary general is seen as the second most powerful position in the party. With the party leader Gruevski preoccupied with his Prime Ministerial duties, Protogjer was seen as de-facto running party activities on the ground.

Protogjer was one of the most trusted associates of the Prime Minister's and has been head of his cabinet ever since VMRO DPMNE came to power in 2006.

With Protogjer in charge of the party’s election team, VMRO DPMNE won all consecutive elections in the country since 2006, including the 2008 and 2011 early general polls, as well as the local and presidential polls in 2009.

Protogjer’s resignation from the party post comes days after parliament last week approved the new cabinet of the Prime Minister.

At the June 5 elections, Gruevski’s party secured another four-year term in power, making Protogjer’s resignation that more unusual.

The VMRO DPMNE spokesperson, Ilija Dimovski, offered no further explanation as to why Protogjer is leaving. Dimovski said it was business as usual in the party and that Bozinovski will be a good replacement.

“It may be true that the public knows very little about Bozinovski, but he is a long-term party member who is very respected inside VMRO DPMNE. He is also close associate of Protogjer,” Dimovski said.

Thitrty-one-year-old Bozinovski was first assigned public office in 2009 when he became the government’s secretary general. He held that post until now.

In a similar manner, also citing personal reasons, the long-standing Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki resigned last month. He was also considered one of Gruevski’s closest associates.