Skopje, 3 October 2025 (MIA) - Friday, October 3, marks the 30th anniversary of the assassination attempt on the first President of the independent Republic of Macedonia, Kiro Gligorov. 

On October 3, 1995, around 9:50 a.m., Gligorov was the target of a car bomb assassination attempt in Skopje. While en route from his residence to his office, the vehicle carrying Gligorov was blown up by an explosion from a parked vehicle, killing his driver and injuring several passers-by. Gligorov was seriously injured above his right eye and was immediately conveyed to the hospital. 

The parked vehicle contained 20 kilograms of explosives that were remotely activated. 

An investigation into the incident confirmed the assassination attempt was well-organized. 

As part of the investigation, 30.850 vehicles were searched, as well as more than 15.000 buildings and 19.000 people. The Interior Ministry conducted several interviews with potential suspects, but they were all released afterwards. 

The perpetrator is still unknown, and the investigation remains open.

President Kiro Gligorov passed away at the age of 94 on 1 January 2012.

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