Centar mayor Goran Gerašimski condemns council block of school staff hires

Mayor Goran Gerašimski of the Centar municipality criticised members of the VMRO‑DPMNE council group for blocking a proposal to hire administrative‑technical staff and defectologists for the municipality’s primary schools. He called the vote “shameful”, saying it jeopardises hygiene, support for children with special educational needs and overall school conditions.

At the ninth session of the municipal council the debate focused on a reported severe shortage of technical personnel, hygienists and defectologists, which the municipal administration said directly affects the quality of education. Gerašimski warned that “today it is schools, tomorrow it could be kindergartens” if such needs are ignored.

VMRO‑DPMNE responded, accusing Gerašimski of manipulation and suggesting the hires amount to political appointments tied to recent court rulings that require Centar to repay €2.5 million to a construction firm. The party called for a transparent, well‑justified hiring process.

The dispute highlights a local political clash over whether staffing decisions serve the public interest or party directives, with both sides invoking the welfare of students and the municipality’s financial pressures.