Gligorov, Kiro (1917- )

Macedonian politician, president of Macedonia from 1991. He was a member of the presidency of the Socialist Federation of Republics of the Republic of Yugoslavia 1971-72 and the president of the Parliament 1974-78. Following the break up of the former Yugoslavia, he became the president of Macedonia.

Gligorov was educated at the Faculty of Law, Belgrade University. During World War II he was a member of the Presidium of the Antifascist Assembly of the People's Liberation of Macedonia, and the Antifascist Council of the People's Liberation of Yugoslavia. He rose steadily in the ranks of the communist administration, serving as the federal secretary for Finance 1962-67 and vice-president of the Federal Executive Council 1967-69.

In October 1998 the right-wing nationalist VRMO-DPMNE opposition secured the largest share of seats in the first round of parliamentary election.