In the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2024, North Macedonia ranks 94th globally, with strengths in order and security but challenges in areas like corruption and regulatory enforcement. But how does North Macedonia compare to top-performing countries globally, as well as the global average? Here’s a look at where North Macedonia stands in comparison to global leaders and other nations:

  1. Constraints on Government Powers:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.47 (Global Rank: 94th)
    • Global Average: 0.53
    • Top Performers: Denmark: 0.88, Norway: 0.85
    • Comparison: North Macedonia lags behind both the global average and top-performing countries like Denmark and Norway, which have strong checks on executive power, robust judicial independence, and active legislative oversight. In contrast, North Macedonia faces issues with limited parliamentary influence and judicial independence.
    • Potential Global Learning: Countries like New Zealand have strong parliamentary checks on government power. North Macedonia could consider strengthening legislative oversight mechanisms and reducing political influence over the judiciary.
  1. Absence of Corruption:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.46 (Global Rank: 71st)
    • Global Average: 0.50
    • Top Performers: Finland: 0.89, Singapore: 0.88
    • Comparison: North Macedonia’s corruption score sits below the global average and significantly behind Finland and Singapore, where zero-tolerance policies and robust anti-corruption institutions contribute to near-perfect scores. North Macedonia still struggles with corruption, particularly within the executive branch.
    • Potential Global Learning: Singapore’s Anti-Corruption Agency (CPIB) is a globally recognized model for maintaining accountability in public office. North Macedonia could benefit from establishing independent anti-corruption bodies with prosecution powers.
  1. Open Government:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.52 (Global Rank: 65th)
    • Global Average: 0.57
    • Top Performers: Estonia: 0.84, Sweden: 0.82
    • Comparison: North Macedonia ranks just below the global average in open government. Countries like Estonia and Sweden perform particularly well due to transparent digital governance systems and active civic engagement platforms. North Macedonia’s bureaucratic hurdles and limited public engagement mechanisms remain a barrier.
    • Potential Global Learning: Estonia’s digital e-governance platform provides easy access to public records and services. North Macedonia could improve by digitizing government services and enhancing public access to information.
  1. Fundamental Rights:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.62 (Global Rank: 53rd)
    • Global Average: 0.61
    • Top Performers: Finland: 0.91, Denmark: 0.89
    • Comparison: North Macedonia performs slightly above the global average in fundamental rights, particularly in areas like right to life and security. However, the country struggles with issues related to freedom of expression and gender equality, which are better protected in countries like Finland and Denmark.
    • Potential Global Learning: Denmark’s comprehensive human rights laws and strong protections for freedom of speech could offer valuable insights into reinforcing these rights in North Macedonia, particularly for journalists and minority groups.
  1. Order and Security:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.80 (Global Rank: 42nd)
    • Global Average: 0.73
    • Top Performers: Japan: 0.95, Norway: 0.94
    • Comparison: North Macedonia performs above the global average in order and security, with low crime rates and a stable internal environment. Countries like Japan and Norway top this category due to comprehensive community policing programs and effective law enforcement.
    • Potential Global Learning: North Macedonia could sustain and expand its community policing initiatives by adopting strategies from Japan’s Koban system, which emphasizes close ties between local communities and law enforcement.
  1. Regulatory Enforcement:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.45 (Global Rank: 96th)
    • Global Average: 0.53
    • Top Performers: Denmark: 0.89, Netherlands: 0.87
    • Comparison: North Macedonia significantly underperforms in regulatory enforcement, with inconsistent application of regulations across sectors. Leading countries like Denmark and the Netherlands maintain transparent regulatory systems with clear enforcement standards and minimal political interference.
    • Potential Global Learning: Denmark’s regulatory framework offers a model of consistency, transparency, and impartiality. North Macedonia could benefit from independent regulatory bodies to ensure uniform enforcement across all sectors, particularly in public health and environmental regulations.
  1. Civil Justice:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.51 (Global Rank: 76th)
    • Global Average: 0.55
    • Top Performers: Germany: 0.89, Sweden: 0.85
    • Comparison: North Macedonia ranks below the global average in civil justice, with issues in accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. Leading countries like Germany and Sweden have efficient civil justice systems with accessible legal aid and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options.
    • Potential Global Learning: North Macedonia could introduce free ADR services and legal aid programs similar to Germany’s low-cost civil justice clinics, making justice more accessible to low-income and rural populations.
  1. Criminal Justice:
  • North Macedonia: Score: 0.44 (Global Rank: 73rd)
    • Global Average: 0.48
    • Top Performers: Netherlands: 0.86, Sweden: 0.85
    • Comparison: North Macedonia faces challenges in criminal justice, particularly in investigative efficiency and due process rights. Top performers like the Netherlands and Sweden excel in timely investigations and fair judicial proceedings.
    • Potential Global Learning: Sweden’s model of pre-trial reforms—including time limits on pre-trial detention and expanded legal aid access—could serve as an inspiration for North Macedonia to improve its criminal justice system, especially for vulnerable groups.

Key Global Insights for North Macedonia:

In this global context, North Macedonia’s performance is mixed, with strengths in order and security but significant room for improvement in areas like regulatory enforcement and anti-corruption measures. By learning from global leaders such as Denmark, Finland, and Japan, North Macedonia can implement best practices to enhance its rule of law and governance systems.

Stay connected as we explore more ways to bring global reforms to North Macedonia and continue to build a more just and accountable society! 🌍📊

For the full global report, visit: WJP Rule of Law Index 2024.