Probishtip, 27 October 2025 (MIA) - In the first round, the VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition won 33 mayoral seats. Two candidates withdrew in the meantime, between the first and second round, against our candidates, which means that there are now 35 mayors, and we are in the second round in 24 more municipalities. On Sunday, it will be decided who will become mayor in these 24 municipalities. In six of these 26 municipalities, we are in second place, but with a strong tendency and a very good chance, as the difference is very small, to move into first place, said VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski at a rally in Probishtip for the second round on November 2.

VMRO-DPMNE leader Mickoski is confident that his coalition will win 59 mayors after the local elections.

“At the same time, allow me to inform you that in 58 municipalities, the coalition led by VMRO-DPMNE won the councilor lists and holds a clear majority in the council. When this is combined with the result in the City of Skopje, namely the decisive lead of the future mayor of Skopje, Orce Gjorgjievski, 90,000 to 30,000, roughly more than 3 to 1, we expect that in the second round this number could reach 120,000, maybe 125,000 votes. With the strong win of VMRO-DPMNE’s coalition council list in Skopje, the total reaches 60 municipalities, something that has never happened to any political coalition in independent Macedonia,” Mickoski said.

Speaking from Probishtip, Mickoski noted that the Democratic Union for Integration, part of every government in Macedonia for over 20 years, has finally been defeated in the local elections.

“We predicted at the parliamentary elections a year and a half ago that they would lose power, and now they have been effectively defeated in the local elections,” he said.

He noted that in the second round, voters have three choices: vote for VMRO-DPMNE’s coalition, the winning coalition, or the former SDSM-led government coalition, which takes the country backward and has plundered, humiliated and sold off Macedonia.

“And the third option, which I consider the most catastrophic, is to stay at home and not go to the elections and allow someone else to decide on our behalf. Because if we stay home and say ‘it’s easy, VMRO‑DPMNE will win’ or argue over whether my vote matters or whether I’m angry about this or that, or if I’m just showing defiance, then you’re not punishing anyone, nobody will notice. You are punishing yourselves, Probishtip and Macedonia. If you want to build the future and set the path together, go out and vote for the candidate you believe is the best,” Mickoski stated.

VMRO-DPMNE leader Mickoski encouraged people in Probishtip and all over Macedonia to go vote on Sunday, November 2, and to cast their votes according to what they think is best.

“I believe that when you stand at the voting booth, holding your pen and looking at the ballot, if you follow your reason and heart, you will see number 9 and the name Toni Tonevski as the right choice for the next four years,” Mickoski said.

“The support you give us is what makes us stronger, enabling us to win wherever I was a few days ago in London, and where I will go this Monday in Brussels. To win in Berlin, to win in Paris, to win in Rome, in Washington, the stronger we are at home, the more support we get from you, the more we are valued abroad and the stronger our arguments become,” Mickoski stated in Probishtip.

VMRO-DPMNE mayoral candidate Toni Tonevski spoke at a rally late on Monday, emphasizing that Probishtip needs change after eight years of apathy and city deterioration. He highlighted that the new direction of the municipality will be developed, real, and long-term, with the implementation of many projects that will bring growth and progress to Probishtip.

“In the first round, Probishtip residents showed faith and courage for change. We won a stable council majority and now aim for an even bigger victory. Citizens recognized our Program for work, development, and a secure future, making the right choice. After eight years of stagnation, last week Probishtip sent a clear message: it’s time for a new, long-term direction,” Tonevski said.

He said that the Program is comprehensive and has been developed together with the citizens, incorporating their proposals and ideas. It will invest in every part of the municipality, with projects to encourage young people to stay in their hometown, as well as investments in tourism, sports, and industry.

“It is very important to me that our city has a future. Our Probishtip deserves much more. We do not promise miracles; we promise work, development, and a future. Your ideas are included in the Program. This is a winning Program, written together and to be implemented together. We will start with new urban development, a new residential area for housing, and a new industrial zone exclusively for non-polluting industries. We will create conditions for new jobs and higher salaries. Our focus is on young people: they will have access to free office space if they want to start their own business, as well as free projects for standard housing. Many young people will be able to build their careers in the tourism sector because investments in Lesnovo and Ponikva will be significant. We will build a children’s resort in Ponikva, a new volleyball court, and Probishtip will also get a new city swimming pool,” Tonevski said.

Photo: MIA