North Macedonia political parties debate institutional response to threats against PM Mickoski

The rapid police and prosecutorial response to social media threats against North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has sparked a political debate regarding institutional equality. Following threats made by a 39-year-old resident of Cherkezi, the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Kumanovo initiated proceedings and requested detention, citing risks of flight and the suspect's history of violent behavior and other offenses.

Political parties Levica and the LDP have criticized the speed of the state's reaction, arguing that such efficiency is not applied to other citizens. Levica leader Dimitar Apasiev and the LDP pointed out that threats against opposition figures, journalists, and party leaders—including LDP President Monika Zajkova—have historically not received similar immediate institutional action. Levica specifically contrasted the swift handling of the Prime Minister's case with the perceived lethargy in responding to victims of domestic violence, questioning why the state's machinery only functions with such precision when the government itself is threatened.

Prime Minister Mickoski stated he learned of the threats a day prior and expects the judicial system to proceed with the case, noting, “I am an institution.”