Skopje, 29 October 2025 (MIA) - SDSM leader Venko Filipche, speaking at a rally in Konche late Wednesday, urged a massive turnout on Sunday and support SDSM candidate Blagoj Iliev, saying residents can clearly see the difference between Iliev’s work and that of the current VMRO-DPMNE mayor.

“Blagoj worked during his previous term. You know how he acted as mayor, that his door was always open, and that he worked for the good of the municipality and for you, the citizens. You know best how it was during Blagoj’s time and what vision he had for Konche, to continue developing further,” Filipche said.

After Iliev’s term, Filipche added, the difference in management style is more than obvious.

“Now, with a four-year distance after his term and the current mayor, you can truly see the difference, what it is like to live in this municipality under a mayor like our Blagoj, and then under a VMRO-DPMNE mayor, who works in a completely opposite way,” Filipche said.

Filipche urged voters to choose number 5 on Sunday, so Blagoj can lead Konche and the region with his vision and program, ensuring growth and development for all residents, including youth and pensioners.

Filipche said SDSM mayors have delivered 90-100% of their promises, compared to 20% by VMRO-DPMNE. He accused VMRO-DPMNE of trying to bring back a climate of fear and blackmail, condemning attempts to intimidate citizens via state institutions during the campaign.

“They are pressuring citizens through the police, financial inspectors, forestry police, and social services. They want to take us back to a time of fear and blackmail. But that time is over. People want a normal life, free from pressure, threats, and bribery,” Filipche said.

He added that the government has done nothing to address the uncontrolled rise in living costs. In the past year and a half, the VMRO-DPMNE government has neither increased salaries nor provided assistance while food prices continue to climb month by month.

Photo: SDSM Communications Center