Filipche from Gostivar: Government left citizens to fight for health and clean water

Philipche Distributes Aid in Gostivar, Blames Government for Health Failures

During a visit to Gostivar, SDSM leader Venko Filipche spent the day meeting families affected by the recent health emergency and handing out food and hygiene packages. He framed the trip as direct help to vulnerable citizens rather than a political stunt, saying his party is stepping in where state institutions have fallen short.

Filipche attributed the crisis to what he called irresponsible governance and a breakdown of institutional oversight. He accused the leadership around Hristijan Mickoski of permitting a climate in which basic civil and human rights — including the right to health, safe soil and clean water — are not being protected.

“This situation shows how ordinary people pay the price when a small group runs the system,” Filipche said, stressing that SDSM teams visited pensioners, elderly residents and socially vulnerable households and will continue similar aid actions in the coming days.

He rejected claims from opponents that the visit was intended to score political points, insisting the priority was practical assistance for those who have not been asked whether they need help. Filipche also urged state bodies to fulfil their legal duty to serve public health interests rather than conceal failures.

The opposition leader warned that leaving citizens to cope alone during a public-health incident is unacceptable and that accountability must follow. He said the response should focus on restoring services and confidence, not on deflecting blame.

Separately, the case involving director Asani — accused of contaminating Gostivar’s water supply — remained in the public eye after she appeared in court holding a bottle of clear water, a moment that underscored the controversy and public demand for clarity and justice.