Skopje, 19 April 2026 (MIA) - The right to request a referendum is constitutionally guaranteed, but the Luke mining project is strategic for the state and the local population and is part of bilateral cooperation with the United States, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Sunday in response to a journalist’s question at a press conference.

Mickoski pointed out that every referendum initiative must be carried out in line with legal procedures, but said he was surprised by what he called the differing views within SDSM on the matter.

Mickoski said he was surprised that the mayor of Kriva Palanka, an SDSM member, holds a completely different position from the party leadership, noting that he has communicated with him frequently, including today. “I was able to confirm that his position is entirely different, that this project is part of our cooperation with the United States and is partially financed by the U.S.,” he said.

He stressed that if the project is implemented, it must fully meet constitutional and legal requirements, especially regarding environmental protection, for which, he said, both he and the investors provide guarantees.

Mickoski assessed that the project represents an investment with significant economic benefits for the region and the population, noting that the area is a typical mining region and that the project is strategic both for the state and the local community.

Photo: screenshot