Skopje, 8 October 2025 (MIA) — VMRO-DPMNE's leader Hristijan Mickoski at a campaign rally in the Municipality of Butel said the slow judiciary was protecting the interests of the previous government, with dozens of criminal complaints delayed on purpose.

Announcing that he was going to devote himself to this problem after the local elections, Mickoski promised a "system reset" based on responsibility and justice instead of revanchism.

In his speech, Mickoski quoted SDSM leader Venko Filipche as saying that the VMRO-DPMNE government was not prosecuting criminals and pointed out that, in fact, over 80 criminal complaints had been filed since the government was formed but they "have been sitting in the prosecutor's office drawers."

He said SDSM had the key to those drawers and promised to "get that key" after the elections and implement deep reforms.

"I will personally deal with this particular issue right after the elections. And justice will get all those who are now beating their chests," Mickoski said.

"Believe me, when they face the law, they will not be so brave or so loud, because the system reset will not be revanchism but responsibility and justice the likes of which have not been seen." 

Butel Mayor Darko Kostovski running for second term in office listed his completed projects, including two preschool centers, a school and a park as well as investments in local sports. 

If reelected, Kostovski said he would see to it that the Butel municipal resources are put into new children's playgrounds, public parks, local schools and welfare benefits for vulnerable categories of citizens. mr/