Skopje, 20 November 2025 (MIA) – There will be no political interfering in the process by the government, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Thursday when asked by reporters whether the citizens can expect a fair trial over the deadly nightclub fire in Kochani.

“I don’t know if in a democratic Macedonia and beyond there has ever been a case when prosecutors and judges united have attacked the head of the government for saying something in a democratic country. I’ve experienced that. I don’t know how there could be any political interference by the government. I’m ruling that out,” Mickoski told members of the media.

According to the prime minister, the opposition is the one that is exerting pressure and political interference.

“What they are saying first is the prime minister, the government, are exerting pressure on judges; they are good, honourable, they are doing their job independently, etc, but let’s set up an inquiry committee. Now, if they are good, honourable, doing their job, why is there a need for an inquiry commission? I don’t know who is preparing their messages for the public, they are confusing and black and white,” stated Mickoski.

Reiterating that the judiciary is demanding an increased budget, he noted the demand comes from “a few holding on tightly to their chairs.” “A salary of 3,000 euros is not enough for them, they want 5,000 in a country where average pay is 750 euros,” Mickoski said noting that those are “taxpayers’ money.”

The trial over the deadly fire in Pulse nightclub in Kochani started yesterday. 63 people were killed on March 16. Eight months after the tragedy, 38 defendants, including 35 individuals and three legal entities, are being tried. According to the investigation, the tragedy happened as a result of years-long shortcomings and of authorities and individuals ignoring security procedures. The nightclub Pulse, open for business since 2012, operated without minimal technical conditions being met.  

Photo: MIA 

Фото: МИА