Lefkov accuses SDSM of creating panic over water; VMRO‑DPMNE says it answers with "facts and results"
Mile Lefkov accused SDSM of fomenting panic over water and demanded answers on aid for Gostivar during an August 18, 2026 press conference.
At a press conference on August 18, 2026, Mile Lefkov, a member of the Executive Committee and an MP of VMRO-DPMNE, accused SDSM of trying to create alarm about drinking water and failing to accept responsibility after facts emerged. "After attempts to create panic about the water failed in the face of the facts, SDSM offered neither an apology nor assumed responsibility for what was said. On the contrary, they continue with the same matrix: a new day, a new construction and a new attempt to create chaos. That is the difference citizens see. While SDSM produces political stories, VMRO-DPMNE works and delivers results," Lefkov said.
Lefkov also targeted Venko Filipche directly, saying that Filipche "can rest with Zaev in Paljuri, on the million-yacht," but that he cannot avoid accountability forever for the policy pursued by his party. The VMRO-DPMNE lawmaker framed the dispute as a broader clash between what he called political storytelling and governing that produces tangible outcomes.
He demanded answers from SDSM over humanitarian steps related to Gostivar, asking why, in his words, no water packages were donated to Gostivar and why the party did not summon Mayor Limani to account. Lefkov presented those points as evidence that SDSM is prioritizing political narratives over practical help.
VMRO-DPMNE demands accountability, while SDSM remains accused of disinformation
According to Lefkov, the sequence of statements and media actions by SDSM amounted to attempts to stir public alarm which, he insisted, collapsed once objective facts were known. He urged that responsibility be taken for those public statements instead of moving on to new allegations.
The statement included a rhetorical question from VMRO-DPMNE about how long each political failure will be hidden behind fresh disinformation and panic attempts. Lefkov used the occasion to contrast his party's claimed record of delivering results with what he described as SDSM's pattern of producing political stories.
VMRO-DPMNE's press remarks did not include an immediate response from SDSM in the room. Lefkov concluded by calling for concrete answers and accountability from SDSM officials on the issues he raised.
Photo: press material from the event
