Hristijan Mickoski sparks controversy with ‘talog’ rhetoric

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has sparked political controversy by using the term ‘talog’ (leftovers/scraps) to describe a group that he claims must not defeat the ‘elite.’ Mickoski stated that if this ‘talog’ becomes the elite, the true elite will leave the country.

The opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has strongly condemned the rhetoric, accusing the Prime Minister of using divisive and hateful language to mask a lack of government results. SDSM characterized the Prime Minister’s comments as a campaign of division and insults against citizens, media, and critics.

Opposition leaders further criticized the government’s economic performance, citing rising costs of living, low minimum wages, and increased national debt. They argued that the Prime Minister’s focus on nationalist rhetoric serves to distract from issues such as healthcare, education, and the country’s European integration path.