Former New York Assemblyman Trains Opposition Party

February 11, 2005

IRI consultant Robert Straniere, who served for 11 consecutive terms in the State of New York Assembly (62nd Assembly District - Staten Island), arrived in the Republic of Macedonia on Feb. 7, 2005, to assist VMRO-DPMNE, the major opposition party, develop an integrated communications strategy in preparation for the upcoming March municipal elections. The March elections are important to the future of Macedonia as they will be the first local elections following the adoption of the Law on Municipal Organization. The new law reduces the number of municipalities from 123 to 85. Municipal reorganization is a fundamental precept of the Framework Agreement and prerequisite to the process of governmental decentralization, NATO ascension, European Union Membership and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Straniere and IRI Resident Program Officer John Cavanaugh held a series of meetings with VMRO-DPMNE leadership to review, evaluate and make recommendations on how to add value and improve the effectiveness of the party’s "Three Phase Campaign Strategy."

IRI’s special opposition party consultation initiative will assist VMRO-DPMNE distinguish itself as a unified center right reform party with a positive, optimistic and inclusive vision for the future of Macedonia. Straniere provided valuable advice on methods to develop a coordinated mass media and grassroots campaign highlighting Party President Nikola Gruevski as a trusted political leader with a proven and credible record as a successful reformer. Straniere’s consultation complements IRI’s ongoing Political Academy for VMRO-DPMNE mayoral candidates organized jointly with Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation.

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