Skopje, 2 November 2025 (MIA) - SDSM leader Venko Filipche congratulated citizens on a dignified vote in Sunday's runoff, saying that the party has won mayoral seats in three municipalities - Centar, Makedonska Kamenica and Zrnovci - while announcing political and leadership changes in the party.

Filipche congratulated all newly-elected mayors but criticized "the destructive authorities of VMRO-DPMNE" and accused them of putting pressure on candidates and abusing institutions.

"The past couple of weeks saw enormous pressure put on candidates in all 17 municipalities where we advanced for the runoff. This shows we are facing the same destructive authorities of VMRO-DPMNE as in the past, abusing all institutions it has under control," Filipche told a press conference.

According to him, the election result has shown that SDSM is the second-largest party in the country and the opposition leader.

"This is an incentive to work harder against this Government, which will never again have the same support as it did at last year's elections," added Filipche.

The SDSM leader said these elections are a clear roadmap for the party and himself as its president.

"It is clear what changes need to be done, both political and leadership-wise, and they will happen in the coming days, considering that the party's executive and central boards will hold sessions. We are also planning to hold a congress, focusing on policies for the coming period," said Filipche and added he does not intend to resign.

Filipche confirmed that party vice-president Ana Chupeska has resigned, saying they would soon inform the public on further party reshuffling.

Photo: MIA