Skopje, 6 August 2026 (MIA) - Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, SDSM leader Venko Filipche demanded an urgent response from the Ministry of Interior over last night's incident in Novo Selo.

“We are here in Novo Selo today because of the incident that took place last night, which should have never happened. Young people were attacked for speaking the truth and the truth is that the water in Gostivar and in half of the country is contaminated and unsafe to drink,” Filipche said.

He called for an urgent investigation and immediate action by the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to identify those who, as he said, “physically attached the young people who were speaking the truth.”

"I have a message: the young people are not alone. They were not alone last night, they are not alone today, and they will not be alone tomorrow. This is a sign that the government is afraid because the truth about the contaminated water is coming out, the truth about the economy is coming out, the truth about Europe is coming out, and the truth that we have now become Europe's blind spot is coming out. The time for justice and truth is approaching," Filipche said.

He said there would be accountability for all crimes, especially, as he put it, "because they targeted the young people for the only thing they were doing and I will repeat it for the third time, speaking the truth."

Earlier, SDSM accused at a press conference that its activists had been attacked in Novo Selo on Wednesday because they were carrying a banner stating that the water in Gostivar was poisoned. The party called on the police and the Public Prosecutor's Office to identify the attackers.

VMRO-DPMNE rejected SDSM's attempts to link it to any violent incidents, calling them shameful and irresponsible.

"If SDSM has evidence, it should provide it to the relevant authorities. Otherwise, this is a blatant manipulation and political misuse of the public. SDSM and Filipche have no ideas, no strategy and no credibility," VMRO-DPMNE said.

Answering a journalist's question, Filipche repeated that "all of this government's false policies concerning European integration have already been exposed."

"Let me repeat: it is clear that they will not restore the country's name, as President Siljanovska promised, nor will they annul the Prespa Agreement. On the contrary, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described it as a masterpiece of European diplomacy. After acknowledging that NATO membership is beneficial for stability and investment, opportunities this government lacks the capacity to take advantage of, it is now evident that efforts are being made behind the scenes to accept the French proposal," Filipche said.

According to him, the Prime Minister's announced so-called "excursion" to Brussels is just further confirmation of this.

"Regarding what we were accused of that we pursued treacherous policies, this is yet another proof and confirmation that everything they said, that SDSM had treacherous policies, was a lie. On the contrary, we pursued state-building policies, in the interest of all citizens and the country's progress. And thanks to this government, we are standing still; for the fourth year in a row, they have been blocking the country's European path," Filipche said.

Photo: SDSM