Skopje, 29 April 2025 (MIA) - Debate on the no-confidence motion against Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski filed by party Levica began in the Parliament on Tuesday.

Levica MP Sashko Janchev elaborated the motion, saying Minister Toshkovski had blatantly neglected his duties acting unprofessionally and irresponsibly, which has resulted in a series of illegal actions, scandals and rampant nepotism and cronyism at the Interior Ministry.

The no confidence motion is founded on ten bases, including five that are directly related to the tragic incident in Kochani. The first basis is having no control over the Kochani nightclub, which falls into the Interior Ministry’s duties.

The second basis is illegal use of pyrotechnics, the third involves police officers who didn’t offer any assistance, the fourth basis is not acting on Facebook threats aimed at government critics, the fifth involves bans for drones in order to quell protests; sixth is the arrest of people in the Gostivar region trying to clean an ancient church, then no actions taken after the Macedonian flag was set on fire; the stealing of marijuana guarded by the police; the prime minister’s security detail member disclosing a top secret, and the tenth basis is nepotism and cronyism at the Interior Ministry.

"Instead of building bridges of trust between the civil society and the police, as well as setting up a mechanism for consistent implementation of laws, Minister Toshkovski has failed to address unprofessional and illicit actions and scandals, alongside improper appointments since January 2024, when he assumed the post. His moral habitus is shown by the fact that he has not even offered to resign from moral reasons, something that many ministers before him had done amid such collective disasters," said Janchev and urged lawmakers to support the no-confidence motion.

In response, Toshkovski said he is not afraid of responsibility and remains in the post in order to come to the truth and clear up all dilemmas.

"I stand before you not only as minister, but a person who understands the weight and responsibility of the job. I regret every life that has been lost," said Toshkovski and added that any dilemma deserves an answer based on facts and not political constructions.

On the Kochani tragedy, he said there were no shortcomings on the part of MoI, noting that the nightclub license had been falsified.

"A request for use of pyrotechnics in the nightclub was never filed to the MoI. The police acted in line with the law and there were no shortcomings. The responsibility lies with the ones who allowed the unlawful entry and use of the pyrotechnics," said Toshkovski.

He also said institutions are undertaking measures in all cases that are cited in the no-confidence motion.

"All we have seen is false labeling. We have to be guided by the obligation to tell the truth and defend justice. I am not running away, I am not staying silent, I am not hiding. I am here carrying the weight of the institution, which will always fight so that your pain is not forgotten. Changes are here, responsibility is tangible, justice is a reality," underlined Toshkovski.

No confidence motions against four government ministers, including Minister Toshkovski, were also filed in January by the DUI-led European Front coalition. They all survived the Parliament vote.

MIA file photo