Venko Filipče blames government for delayed response to contaminated water in Gostivar

Venko Filipče Gostivar water contamination SDSM interpellation technical water potential hepatitis outbreak

SDSM leader Venko Filipče told reporters that there was no water poisoning or epidemic in Gostivar during his time in office and warned that the current contamination could trigger a hepatitis outbreak. He criticised the health ministry’s delayed recommendations and the use of “technical water” that he said is contaminated with coliform bacteria and unsafe for drinking or washing.

Filipče also accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of evading parliamentary questions and said the parliament’s work regulation had been breached, with opposition inquiries blocked. He announced that SDSM will file interpellations against Speaker Afrim Gashi and Minister of Local Self‑Government Ivan Stoilković. Finally, he warned of a major crisis expected in September, citing rising living costs, energy‑price uncertainty and broader economic pressures.

Entities

Afrim Gashi · Gostivar · Hristijan Mickoski · Social Democratic Union of Macedonia · Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) · Venco Filipče · Venko Filipče

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Venko Filipče claimed that during his tenure there was no water poisoning or epidemic in Gostivar. opserver.mk · tocka.com.mk · sdsm.org.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] He warned that contaminated water could lead to a hepatitis outbreak. opserver.mk · tocka.com.mk · sdsm.org.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] He accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of avoiding parliamentary questions. portalb.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] He criticized the recommendation to use technical water despite contamination concerns. opserver.mk · tocka.com.mk · sdsm.org.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] He claimed that the parliament's work regulation was violated and opposition questions were blocked. portalb.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] He announced that SDSM will submit interpellations against Speaker Afrim Gashi and Minister Ivan Stoilković. portalb.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] He said the water in Gostivar is contaminated with coliform bacteria and unsuitable for drinking or washing. opserver.mk · tocka.com.mk · sdsm.org.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] He warned of a major crisis expected in September due to rising living costs and energy‑price uncertainty. portalb.mk