# Political disputes in Štip municipality

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-disputes-in-tip-municipality
> Updated: 2026-08-31T08:20:47.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In Štip, the opposition SDSM, led by president Trajche Stojchevski, has leveled several accusations against Mayor Ivan Jordanov and the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party regarding local governance.

Initially, Stojchevski called for the cancellation of tenders for the sale of state-owned construction land in the ‘Pečurki’ area. He alleged the municipality was selling land at low prices to benefit business interests associated with the ruling party and questioned the transparency of the process, noting that tender conditions had been changed multiple times.

Following these land disputes, the political tension shifted toward a water crisis caused by low rainfall and the failure of the Zletovica hydro system. Stojchevski criticized the administration for neglecting local wells and claimed the government prioritized a 120 million denar park project over essential water infrastructure.

## Claims

- Citizens of Štip were left without drinking water during 40-degree temperatures. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Zletovica hydro system, the only water option for Štip, was non-functional due to low rainfall. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Local wells that had functioned for over 50 years have been neglected. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mayor Ivan Jordanov and VMRO-DPMNE prioritized a 120 million denar park over water supply functionality. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Water is unsafe in more than 50 settlements across Macedonia. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Štip water crisis: SDSM criticizes Mayor Jordanov and VMRO-DPMNE

SDSM leader Trajče Stojčevski criticized Štip Mayor Ivan Jordanov and VMRO-DPMNE for a water crisis in Štip, citing neglected wells and the failure of the Zletovica hydro system.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tip-water-crisis-sdsm-criticizes-mayor-jordanov-and-vmro-dpmne

### 2026-08-09: Štip land sale tenders face opposition calls for cancellation

SDSM leader Trajche Stojchevski is demanding the cancellation of state land sale tenders in Štip, alleging the process favors VMRO-DPMNE business interests.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tip-land-sale-tenders-face-opposition-calls-for-cancellation

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Cite as: Political disputes in Štip municipality. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-disputes-in-tip-municipality