Macedonia political feud intensifies over water crisis and earthquake anniversary accusations

The opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) issued a statement on the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 Skopje earthquake, likening the current situation to a "systemic disaster" caused by the ruling VMRO‑DPMNE government and Prime Minister Christian Micovski. SDSM accused the government of destroying institutions, eroding public trust, leaving citizens with empty refrigerators, and prompting youth emigration.

VMRO‑DPMNE responded, alleging that SDSM is spreading misinformation about the water supply crisis in Gostivar. The governing party said water distribution had been stabilised and that SDSM’s claims were politically motivated to profit from the scandal. VMRO‑DPMNE also cited a coalition with the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) and local official Arben Taravari, accusing them of shielding a mayor from accountability. A separate DUI statement criticized political attacks on its legitimacy, while SDSM warned of a looming “media darkness” from Serbian media entrants into Macedonia’s market.