Shtip, 30 September 2025 (MIA) - Mickoski acts as if he is in opposition, saying they would bring justice after the elections. Ask yourself what have you done for justice after a year-and-a-half besides employing friends and relatives in the judiciary, SDSM leader Venko Filipche told a rally in Shtip late on Tuesday.

"The truth is they do not want justice but their own, controlled justice, in order to sow fear, put pressure and blackmail. SDSM will not allow for this to happen. We've already seen that film," said Filipche.

He noted that the present reality is VMRO-DPMNE and its satellite-parties pushing the country into partisan darkness, nepotism and abuse.

"Instead of future, they bring chaos and uncertainty. Citizens see arrogance, smugness, luxury at the people's expense. While families make ends meet, they use PR and enjoy their privileges," said Filipche.

According to him, these elections are a time for a new beginning, and every vote for SDSM is a brick in the common home.

"Every member, every follower, all those who believe in the social-democratic idea, rise and join. SDSM is promoting a new offer and new energy at these elections: honest people, professionals, people with integrity, individuals who work for you and not the party. People who will not respond to me but to the citizens. This is the difference between SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE, we want the local authority to be the service of citizens. You will be the ones controlling us. This is how trust is restored," said Filipche.

Shtip mayor candidate Pavel Ivanov criticized the four-year term of incumbent VMRO-DPMNE mayor Ivan Jordanov, saying citizens continue to face street potholes, unreliable water supply, landfill problems, traffic chaos.

"It is time to set up a system that will put the citizens first, a system based on honesty, responsibility and accountability. We will put the urban and rural infrastructure to your service and every investment will prioritize the citizens not individuals," said Ivanov.

Photo: MIA