Mickoski: Pre‑election folklore from Bulgaria over Mihailova, experts demand fast resolution

Hristijan Mickoski dismissed the episode surrounding the departure of Mihailova as “pre-election folklore” from Bulgaria and gave a brief rebuttal to recent remarks by Bulgarian officials, in an exchange that has escalated into a diplomatic and domestic political controversy.

Bulgaria’s ambassador Radukov told Bulgarian media that authorities in North Macedonia were unaware of Mihailova’s leaving the country, while Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev “went as far as calling the Macedonian authorities Serbian,” the statement circulating in Skopje said.

Calls for a swift resolution from experts and ministries

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said he has requested that the investigation be expanded to include health institutions and noted that “the first violations have already been detected.” Klekovski added that the report concerning Mihailova “points more to questions in the field of justice than to health.”

Security analyst Vladimir Pivovarov, speaking on Studio 10 on TV24, warned that the case appears to be politicized, particularly by Sofia, and questioned why the European Union has not acted in line with EU legislation. He also argued that domestic authorities in North Macedonia had the tools and responsibility to prevent the incident from becoming a diplomatic scandal.

The Ministry of Justice said it is still officially awaiting a formal notification from Bulgarian authorities about Mihailova’s location or apprehension; once such information is received, it will proceed within its constitutional and legal powers on extradition.

Mihailova left the country despite precautionary measures. The Kočani Basic Court ordered a 30-day detention and an international arrest warrant was issued. She is charged in proceedings related to a traffic accident with fatal consequences.

Photo: press material from the event