# Macedonia water crisis, data centers and political disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/macedonia-water-crisis-political-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-03T11:23:29.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 11. In late July 2026, severe water contamination was reported in seven Macedonian towns, including Gostivar and Prilep, with white foam observed in the Lepenec and Vardar rivers. The crisis sparked intense political disputes between the ruling VMRO-DPMNE and the opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM). By mid-August, the conflict expanded to include rumors of E. coli contamination in Skopje, which authorities dismissed as a “hybrid attack” intended to incite social unrest. Simultaneously, the political debate shifted toward the government’s data center projects. While Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski argued these facilities are essential for digital infrastructure and economic growth, the SDSM and the DOM party raised concerns regarding water and energy security, potential electricity price increases, and noise pollution. By late August, Mickoski projected GDP growth of 3.5% to 4% despite these debates. In early September, the focus expanded to include corruption allegations within the Ministry of Digital Transformation. SDSM member Jon Frčkoski alleged that three contracts worth 1.5 million euros were awarded to ‘Noma Sistem Solutions’ in a conflict of interest involving the husband of the Ministry’s State Secretary. VMRO-DPMNE dismissed these claims as “baseless insinuations,” maintaining all procedures followed the law. By early September, the political friction intensified as the SDSM accused the government of driving the country toward a record public debt of nearly 12 billion euros, potentially reaching 65% of GDP by 2026. SDSM leaders, including Venko Filipche, questioned the legality of a 1.3 billion euro debt they claim was omitted from the budget rebalance. Meanwhile, SDSM MP Dimitar Kovachevski emphasized the need for a primary National Data Center in Skopje to centralize state hardware, distinguishing these state-serving needs from commercial infrastructure. On September 4, VMRO-DPMNE accused SDSM leader Venko Filipche of hindering national investment and job creation by opposing the data center industry. ## Claims - The Ministry of Internal Affairs summoned 13 individuals for questioning regarding the spread of false information about water contamination in Skopje. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Laboratory tests conducted by the Skopje Water and Sewerage company confirmed that the drinking water is safe and contains no E. coli. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The 13 individuals questioned stated they shared the information after seeing similar posts on social media or hearing it from others. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski described the organized spread of misinformation regarding water safety as a terrorist attack. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Ministry of Internal Affairs is investigating the origin and digital spread of the misinformation to identify those responsible. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The development of data centers is an irreversible global process. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The opposition is acting irresponsibly toward the economy and citizens by opposing data centers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Toxicologist Dr. Andon Çibishev stated that if E. coli contamination were present, it would have resulted in over 50,000 patients within one or two days. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Data centers are being invested in by the US, Europe, and Asian countries. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Data centers can bring economic success, lower taxes, and jobs. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The SDSM political party is demanding nationwide water quality testing in North Macedonia. (single source) - Fadil Cana, Director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic, confirmed there are no registered or hospitalized patients related to water contamination. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: VMRO-DPMNE accuses SDSM of opposing data center investments VMRO-DPMNE has criticized Venko Filipce and the SDSM for opposing data center developments in North Macedonia, despite support from SDSM's Dimitar Kovachevski and potential economic benefits. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vmro-dpmne-accuses-sdsm-of-opposing-data-center-development ### 2026-09-02: North Macedonia seeks development of national data centers MP Dimitar Kovachevski emphasizes the need for North Macedonia to develop both national and commercial data centers, supporting plans for a new primary facility in Skopje. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-seeks-development-of-national-data-centers ### 2026-09-02: North Macedonia faces political clash over debt and corruption North Macedonia faces political conflict as the government announces major infrastructure investments while the opposition warns of record-breaking public debt and alleges corruption in digital transformation-t 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-corruption-allegations-hit-ministry-of-digital-transformation ### 2026-08-31: North Macedonia debates data center development and economic growth North Macedonian officials are debating the development of data centers, with the government citing economic progress and the opposition warning of environmental and resource strain. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hristijan-mickoski-defends-data-center-development-in-north-macedonia ### 2026-08-29: North Macedonia political parties clash over data center projects VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM are locked in a political dispute over the development of national data centers in North Macedonia, involving EU reform goals and concerns over resource transparency. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vmro-dpmne-defends-data-center-development-in-north-macedonia ### 2026-08-15: Hristijan Mickoski addresses water contamination rumors and Serbian diplomatic tensions Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has denounced rumors of water contamination in Skopje as a “hybrid attack” by opposition parties, while also responding to Serbian President Vučić’s comments on religious ties. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hristijan-mickoski-labels-skopje-water-misinformation-a-hybrid-attack ### 2026-08-11: Skopje authorities investigate false water contamination reports Skopje authorities are investigating 13 people for spreading false claims of E. coli contamination in the city's water. Officials and laboratory tests confirm the drinking water is safe and clean. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rashce-water-spring-safety-sparks-political-dispute-in-north-macedonia ### 2026-08-08: North Macedonia political dispute over data center construction The SDSM opposition warns that building data centers in North Macedonia threatens water and energy supplies, while VMRO-DPMNE defends the plan as essential for secure, centralized national digital services. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-pushes-data-centers-amid-water-power-shortages ### 2026-07-28: Macedonian envoy Petruševski denounces double standards over Gostivar water crisis Macedonian envoy Petruševski attacks SDSM‑DUI‑Tarar coalition over water crisis in Gostivar, urging support for Valbon Limani ahead of local elections. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonian-envoy-petruevski-denounces-double-standards-over-gostivar-water-crisis ### 2026-07-25: Macedonia political feud intensifies over water crisis and earthquake anniversary accusations SDSM likened Macedonia’s current woes to the 1963 Skopje quake, blaming VMRO‑DPMNE and Micovski; the government retorted, calling SDSM’s water‑crisis claims misinformation amid a wider political feud. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-accused-of-serbian-media-invasion-and-systemic-governance-crisis-by-sdsm ### 2026-07-25: Macedonia demands 5 million euros for clean water amid contamination crisis SDSM’s Jon Frčkoski says 5 million euros set for Independence Day festivities should fund clean‑water projects after contamination hits seven Macedonian towns and reaches Skopje. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-faces-water-contamination-crisis-in-multiple-towns --- Cite as: Macedonia water crisis, data centers and political disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/macedonia-water-crisis-political-dispute