Gjorgievski: No E. coli in Skopje's drinking water
The mayor denied contamination, called the spread of the report 'tantamount to a terrorist attack' and asked police to act.
Skopje's mayor, Orce Gjorgievski, held an unscheduled afternoon press briefing to reject widespread claims that the city's drinking water is contaminated with E. coli. He said there is no such contamination and urged citizens not to give in to panic.
"We have one of the five best waters and sources in Europe and I state this responsibly and stand behind it. I am not a monster who would allow even one life of my fellow citizens to be endangered," Gjorgievski said, defending the quality of Skopje's supply.
Mayor calls the disinformation an attack
Gjorgievski described the morning surge of reports and social-media posts claiming the water was unsafe as an organized campaign by "the opposition generally" intended to sow hysteria, panic and fear among residents — a move he called "tantamount to a terrorist attack."
He added that since the morning all profiles — both fake and private — have been compiled and that they belong to members of opposition parties. "During the day the director of 'Vodovod i Kanalizacija' will deliver them to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where I request that appropriate measures be taken against them," Gjorgievski said.
The mayor reiterated that municipal authorities continuously monitor water quality and that the city's water utility is prepared to provide documentation and cooperation with state bodies. He asked citizens to rely on official updates rather than social networks while officials investigate the origin of the disinformation.
Photo: press material from the event
