Skopje, 9 June 2025 (MIA) - The phone line established by the Government for the needs of the injured in the fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kochani and their families officially became operational on Monday, said government spokesperson Marija Miteva, noting that around 30 families have already phoned in with their proposals and requests.

In an interview for TV Sitel on Monday evening, Miteva noted there is always a need for more and that the assistance will not be one-time or short-term. She added that the Prime Minister met with some of the families of the victims who wanted the meeting to be away from the eyes of the public.

The government spokesperson said some political structures are exploiting the tragedy with inaccurate information, "with the tendency and intent to suggest that the Government is intensifying its rhetoric".

“We completely understand that the pain and emotions around such a tragedy are at the highest level, and we have no intent of intensifying our rhetoric, especially not when it comes to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. The reports published by some political structures are inaccurate,” Miteva said.

Regarding the expansion of the investigation into the fire and the arrest of Aleksandar Nacev, who has close ties with VMRO-DPMNE, Miteva said no one involved will be pardoned.  

“The key question when we talk about justice is not who someone is or who they belong to, but what they have done. When we talk about impartial justice, this is precisely what we mean,” Miteva said, adding that the investigation is almost completed with the possibility of further expansion.

Quizzed about Azir Aliu’s election as health minister earlier on Monday, Miteva said he has the necessary experience of being a part of the executive branch and “leading processes that demand commitment, work and reforms”.

“What positive changes have we seen in health with ministers who were doctors? I can say we had a devastated healthcare system. So, we should not base our assessments on titles but rather on the vision for reforms and the courage to undertake those efforts,” Miteva said.

Asked to name three significant changes the Government has made within the first year of its term, Miteva pointed to the manner of governance, saying the Government “has returned the institutions to the citizens”; “positive indicators in the economy”; and changes in the way the country’s diplomacy is led.

Photo: Screenshot/TV Sitel