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Gostivar water contamination sparks criminal complaints in North Macedonia
The political opposition in North Macedonia is embroiled in a dispute following water contamination in Gostivar. The SDSM party has filed a criminal complaint against Health Minister Sasho Klevkoski and three health institution directors, alleging systemic failures and a lack of timely action that left citizens consuming contaminated water. SDSM claims the contamination led to the hospitalization of nearly 5,000 citizens.
In response, the Ministry of Health stated that the health system reacted promptly, patients received necessary care, and the public was informed. The Ministry characterized the SDSM's actions as political maneuvering and stated that the Public Prosecutor's Office is already investigating the matter.
Conversely, the VMRO-DPMNE party has criticized the SDSM's complaint, arguing that the responsibility lies with former Health Minister Venko Filipce. VMRO-DPMNE claims that approximately 400 water tests during Filipce's tenure showed contamination, but results were allegedly concealed from the public.
Additionally, Shpend Ameti, the former director of the Public Health Center in Tetovo, has denied responsibility for the current situation, stating he was removed from his position in January 2026 and has held no leadership authority since then.
Entities
Gostivar · Kiril Lazov · Marija Andonovska · Ministry of Health · SDSM · Sashko Klekovski · Sasho Klevkoski · VMRO-DPMNE
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] SDSM filed a criminal complaint against Health Minister Sasho Klevkoski and three directors. tribuna.mk · libertas.mk · nezavisen.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nearly 5,000 citizens were hospitalized due to the water contamination. tribuna.mk
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Public Prosecutor's Office has begun investigating the case. tribuna.mk · libertas.mk · nezavisen.mk · shenja.tv
- [● 4 SOURCES] The complaint alleges systemic failures and failure to act regarding water contamination in Gostivar. tribuna.mk · libertas.mk · nezavisen.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] VMRO-DPMNE claims approximately 400 water tests showed contamination during Venko Filipce's term as Health Minister. vmro-dpmne.org.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Health states that the health system responded timely and patients received care. libertas.mk · nezavisen.mk · shenja.tv
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shpend Ameti claims he was removed from his position as director of the Public Health Center in Tetovo on January 19, 2026. tetovasot.com