Bachar el-Halabi vs Gjorge Ivanov

Bachar el-Halabi was a member of the Syrian National Council and participated in the Geneva II peace conference on Syria in 2014. He served as a negotiator for the opposition, advocating for a political transition and the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, though the talks failed to produce a ceasefire or political settlement.

In 2015, Bachar el-Halabi was arrested by Syrian government forces while traveling in regime-held territory. He was detained and imprisoned, reportedly subjected to torture and harsh conditions. His arrest removed a key moderate opposition figure from the negotiating table and highlighted the risks faced by opposition activists.

Bachar el-Halabi was released from Syrian government custody in 2018 as part of a prisoner exchange deal mediated by Russia and opposition groups. His release came after three years of detention, but he left Syria for exile abroad, his health severely damaged by his imprisonment.

Ivanov won the presidential election as the candidate of VMRO-DPMNE, succeeding Branko Crvenkovski. His presidency was largely ceremonial but he wielded influence over foreign policy.

Ivanov issued pardons to politicians implicated in the wiretapping scandal, including Nikola Gruevski, sparking massive protests. He later revoked the pardons under pressure from the EU and the opposition.

Ivanov refused to sign the Prespa Agreement, arguing it violated the constitution and national identity. He instead referred it to the Constitutional Court, delaying ratification but ultimately failing to block it.

Ivanov's term ended in 2019, and he was succeeded by Stevo Pendarovski. His presidency was marked by controversy over the name change and the wiretapping scandal.