Todor Petrov
Todor Petrov (born 19 March 1960) is a Macedonian nationalist. He is president of the World Macedonian Congress (WMC). Petrov is a councillor in the electorate of Gazi Baba. Early life and education. Petrov was born on 19 March 1960 in Gevgelija. He finished his primary and high school in Gevgelija, then he attended the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics. Career. World Macedonian Congress. Petrov is president of the World Macedonian Congress (WMC), which is an informal world parliament of Macedonians and former Macedonian government-in-exile established in  1898 in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Macedonian Congress is an affiliate to UN as international non-government organisation. He has been re-elected several times as president of WMC, with his last election being in 2012 with his mandate expiring in 2016. Section::::"Makedonsko Sonce". Todor Petrov used to be chairman of the weekly newspaper "Makedonsko Sonce", where he promoted the Macedonian cause. Flag of the Republic of Macedonia (1992–1995). In 1991, when the Republic of Macedonia declared independence, Todor Petrov successfully proposed the Vergina Sun symbol as the official flag of Republic of Macedonia. In 1992 the newly formed country  displayed the symbol on its new flag. This lasted until 1995, when the Republic of Macedonia was forced to modify its flag due to objections by Greece. Political activities. Member of Parliament. In 1990, during the first democratic elections Todor Petrov was elected as the Member of Parliament from Gevgelija. Until today he is one of the only three members of parliament who entered parliament as independent candidates. During his four years as a member of parliament, he made over 2000 amendments, which make him the biggest amendment proposer in Macedonia politics. 2004 referendum. In 2004, Todor Petrov and World  Macedonian Congress initiated 2004 Macedonian referendum against changes of administrative divisions. According to the government proposal of municipal border, which would decrease the percentage of Macedonians, and transform Struga and Kicevo into Albanians dominated cities, as well as make Albanian to be official language in capital Skopje. Prior to the vote, a Macedonian newspaper carried a story suggesting that if the referendum succeeded, Albanian militants had planned to blow up a pipeline carrying water to the capital Skopje. Just a day before the referendum, the U.S. recognised Macedonia under its constitution name, therefore trying to change the public opinion and  putting pressure. Although 95% voted in favour of the change, the voter turnout of 27% was well below the 50% threshold, and the referendum was unsuccessful. Presidential bid. In 2009, Todor Petrov was nominated to be candidate of VMRO-DPMNE for president of Macedonia. He was not able to secure his candidacy at the party's convention, and VMRO-DPMNE appointed as the party's presidential candidate Gjorge Ivanov, who later became President of Macedonia. Human rights activities. Petrov has sent thousand of appeals to Western countries and international organisations in order to aware them of the harsh position of  Macedonians living in the broader region of Macedonia and demanding basic human rights for them. Also, he is appealing for basic human rights of the Macedonian child refugees expelled from Greece. He is often promoting collecting humanitarian aid through Macedonian diaspora. Also, Todor Petrov took part in organising of collecting of 400,000 Australian dollars for help to the families of the Macedonian soldiers killed in action during the war in Macedonia in 2001. Also, he organised humanitarian aid for the Macedonian refugees in 2001.