Kumanovo, 17 October 2025 (MIA) – The final day of the campaign has arrived, ahead of us is a vote that is of historic importance for Kumanovo, for the citizens of Macedonia, and for SDSM, said SDSM leader Venko Filipche in Kumanovo, at the opposition party’s final rally ahead of Sunday’s vote.

Filipche said Kumanovo is a city that has always won and chosen the right side. He asked the citizens to back the party’s mayoral candidate, Martin Kostovski, and the list of candidates for council members, “who,” he said, “are honest and brave social democrats, people who love Kumanovo”.

The leader of the country’s main opposition party criticized the government for “manipulating” the public.

“A government that does not listen to the citizens, but intimidates them, manipulates them, and lies to them. A government that does not solve the problems, but arrogantly ignores them. And – most dangerous of all – a government that likes people who keep quiet, submit, and don’t hope for anything better,” Filipche said, adding that now is not the time to keep quite and that VMRO-DPMNE “must not be allowed to make the country their property”.

In front of the citizens of Kumanovo, Filipche said the country is once again threatened by large-scale partisation, economic devastation, divisions, and a lack of perspective. Referring to Kumanovo as the city of freedom and resistance, Filipche urged unity and mobilization.

“Let’s not permit Macedonia to become the private property of a few people. It is time to stand up, to elevate our party, to elevate our country, to restore the hope and dignity of the people. Let’s turn out in massive numbers on Sunday. Let’s show that SDSM is here, that SDSM is strong, and that the fall of this arrogant government begins immediately, on Monday,” Filipche said.

Filipche also spoke about what he called the meaning and real values of patriotism “from which SDSM will never deviate”.

“Patriotism for SDSM means fighting for every person, patriotism is to unite the people around a shared goal, patriotism is to lead policies for the future and protect the people. This is SDSM and we will never deviate from this. That’s why I call on you – on Sunday, let’s vote with reason, let’s vote with heart, let’s vote with the belief that this country can do better and that better begins with us,” Filipche said.

Photo: SDSM