Skopje, 20 February 2025 (MIA) - The public debate on the need for legislative changes towards enhancing road traffic safety will resume in Parliament on Thursday, focusing on the conclusions from the debate that began earlier this month.

Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski told the February 7 debate that changes are imminent and cannot be delayed for much longer, noting that 2024 recorded 142 fatalities in road traffic accidents.

“In the last three years, the number of road traffic accident fatalities is slightly less than 400. This is not simply a figure. Each and every one of these lives lost is a tragedy because their loss is as painful and their justice is as important,” Toshkovski said addressing a session of the Commission for Political System in Parliament.

Minister of Justice Igor Filkov said his Ministry, the Ministry of Interior, judges from the Misdemeanours Department at the Criminal Court in Skopje and university professors are actively working on the implementation of new amendments to the Law on Misdemeanours and the Law on Road Traffic Safety. In this context, a working group has been formed to enhance the legal framework, with a particular emphasis on reducing traffic accidents.

“The new amendments to the Law on Misdemeanours will introduce a special procedure for traffic violations detected by electronic systems like the 'Safe City', enabling faster identification of offenses and reducing accidents,” Filkov noted.

The public debate was initiated after the death of Frosina Kulakova, 22, who was killed while crossing a Skopje boulevard by Vasil Jovanov, who was driving while being under the influence and without a driver’s license. The 20-year-old man, who had been already charged with reckless driving and possession of drugs, has been ordered 30-day detention. Thousands of citizens have rallied at several peaceful protests honoring Frosina Kulakova. Protesters demanded justice for Frosina and all other victims of traffic accidents.

MIA file photo