Skip to content

SDSM Demands Toshkovski's Resignation After Series of Tragedies — VMRO-DPMNE: Opposition Politicizes Grief

1 min read
Share

The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia demanded the immediate resignation of Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski, citing a series of tragedies in which institutions failed to protect citizens. The opposition listed several cases — the death of a mother and her minor daughter in a Karposh incident, the murder of a woman and her father in Veles by a recidivist, killings in Staro Nagorichane despite victims having previously reported violence, and the tragedy in Kochani where 64 people died. "How many more lives must be extinguished before there is accountability?" — SDSM asks in its official statement.

The SDSM Women's Forum, through its president Kaja Shukova, highlighted that over the previous two years, 12 reports of family, physical and psychological violence had been documented, but the system failed to respond in time and adequately. Shukova emphasized that political responsibility must start at the top of the Interior Ministry, criticizing the minister's public statements about "24/7 protection" that were not followed by measurable results. The forum confirmed its participation in the Skopje march, united under the message that March 8 must be a day of demand for safety and accountability — under the motto "We shall endure."

VMRO-DPMNE, in turn, accused the opposition parties of using tragedies for political gain and spreading panic. The ruling party stated that the Interior Ministry had taken measures and that the opposition had deliberately distorted facts to manipulate public opinion.

The political reckoning is unfolding precisely ahead of March 8, when activists and citizens plan to march with demands for greater safety for women and more effective institutional responses to reported violence.