Skopje, 7 February 2025 (MIA) – The name of Frosina Kulakova became a symbol of injustice and of a system of impunity suggesting that changes are imminent and we cannot delay it for much longer, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said Friday noting that 2024 recorded 142 fatalities in road traffic accidents. 

“In the last three years, the number of road traffic accident fatalities is slightly less than 400. This is not simply a figure. Each and every one of these lives lost is a tragedy because their loss is as painful and their justice is as important,” Toshkovski said addressing a session of the Commission for Political System in Parliament, which includes a public debate on the need to amend legislation in order to enhance road safety.  

The young woman’s death after being hit by a drunk driver, according to him, further disclosed “the non-functioning system that failed to protect the safety of the citizens and a system that allowed recidivists to be out on the streets instead of in jail and to take lives.”

Toshkovski called on the whole society to work on solutions that allow real changes.

“The culture of impunity is creating sociopathological behaviours, especially of young people. When the system is sending a message that rules don’t apply for everyone, then we have generations that believe they can do whatever they want without any consequence. This has to stop, law must be implemented and respected fully,” he said adding he understood the public’s outrage over the killing of the young woan due to the system of impunity and selective justice. 

The Minister called for a system of efficient control and harsh fines, especially for recidivists. “This requires timely and efficient sharing of data. The government is working on urgent digitization and interoperability of systems allowing all data to be automatically available. This is not only an administrative change, it is also a crucial reform that will establish efficiency and transparency of the system,” Toshkovski said. 

On Monday, VMRO-DPMNE, 'Worth It' and ZNAM parliamentary groups submitted a request to the Parliament over holding a public debate aimed at analysing and resolving the need to amend legal regulations towards increasing road traffic safety. In addition to Minister Toshkovski, officials of the ministries of the interior, justice, the Council of Road Traffic Safety, judges, public prosecutors, members of the media and NGOs take part in the public debate.  

The public debate comes after the death of Frosina Kulakova, 22, who was killed while crossing a Skopje boulevard by Vasil Jovanov, who was driving while being under the influence and without a driver’s license. The 20-year-old man, who had been already charged with reckless driving and possession of drugs, has been ordered 30-day detention. 

Thousands of citizens have rallied at several peaceful protests honoring Frosina Kulakova. Protesters demanded justice for Frosina and all other victims of traffic accidents.

MIA file photo