The word "Sobranje" may seem a bit confusing to spell for non-native Macedonian speakers, but it is actually quite straightforward once you understand the phonetics of the language. The correct spelling is "Собрание" and it is pronounced as [ˈsɔbraɲɛ]. The accent is on the second syllable, and the "b" is pronounced as a voiced bilabial stop. The letter "е" is pronounced as "ye" and the "nj" combination represents the sound of "ñ" in Spanish or "ni" in French.
Sobranje is a noun that refers to the national parliament or assembly of North Macedonia. The term "Sobranje" is derived from the Slavic word собирање (sobiranje), meaning "to gather" or "to assemble," which accurately represents the function of a parliament as a gathering of representatives.
The Sobranje of North Macedonia is the supreme legislative body of the country, responsible for making laws, debating political issues, and ensuring the proper functioning of the democratic system. It consists of 120 members, known as deputies, who are elected by popular vote for a four-year term.
The primary role of the Sobranje is to pass national legislation. Deputies propose bills, which are then debated, amended, and voted upon by the assembly. The Sobranje also has the power to adopt the country's budget, ratify international treaties, and conduct inquiries into matters of public interest.
Additionally, the Sobranje oversees the work of the government and can hold ministers accountable through question sessions and votes of no-confidence. It acts as a fundamental impetus in the democratic process, representing the interests of the citizens and ensuring a system of checks and balances.
As the highest legislative authority in North Macedonia, the Sobranje plays a crucial role in shaping the country's policies, promoting democracy, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of its citizens.
The word "Sobranje" has its etymology in the Slavic language. It is derived from the Old Church Slavonic term "събрание" (sǎbranie), which means "gathering" or "assembly". This term is a combination of the prefix "съ-" (sǎ-), meaning "together", and the root "брание" (branie), which is related to the verb "брать" (brat'), meaning "to take" or "to gather". Over time, the word "събрание" was adapted into several Slavic languages, including Bulgarian and Macedonian, where it is pronounced as "събрание" (sǎbranie) or "Собрание" (Sobranie) respectively.