Venko Filipche: SDSM to block opening of new mines
SDSM leader demanded withdrawal of the proposed spatial plan and warned of public debates and human-shield blockades if the government does not back down.
Skopje, 24 September 2026 — Venko Filipche, leader of SDSM, announced at a press conference in the Assembly that his party will actively oppose the opening of new mines proposed in the government’s spatial plan.
Filipche demanded that the authorities withdraw the draft spatial plan and warned that if they do not, SDSM will take part in public debates and escalate to physical blockades using human shields to stop mining projects.
Public warning and planned resistance
“I want to tell them: Macedonia is not for sale. We will not risk the health of citizens for foreign profits. I want to tell them clearly and loudly to step back and withdraw from this plan,” Filipche said, calling on the government to abandon the proposal.
He said the new spatial plan foresees opening five new mines at Ilovica–Shtuka, Kazandol, Plavica, Kadiica and Luke, and accused the authorities of placing national resources at the service of foreign financial interests.
“In these five places the government of Hristijan Mickoski plans to sell the land, plans to sell Macedonia to foreign firms for foreign profits,” Filipche added, repeating his demand that the plan be withdrawn and outlining SDSM’s readiness to mobilise against it.
Photo: press material from the event
