Filipche demands withdrawal of Spatial Plan after five proposed mines

Date: September 24, 2026 — The government’s proposal in a new Spatial Plan to allow five mining projects has ignited a political confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition, laying out a clash between promises of economic growth and warnings about environmental and health risks.

Opposition vows to block sites, ruling party defends plan

At a parliamentary press conference, SDSM leader Venko Filipche demanded that the Government withdraw the draft Spatial Plan and warned of organised resistance if the plan remains in force. He said his party would take part in the public hearings but also prepare physical blockades backed by citizens.

Filipche told reporters: "I want to tell them: Macedonia is not for sale. We will not risk citizens' health for others' profits. I want to tell them clearly and loudly here to step back and withdraw from this plan." He singled out the five sites named in the draft as Ilovica-Shtuka, Kazandol, Plavica, Kadiica and Luke, and accused the Government of Hristijan Mickoski of planning to "sell the land" to foreign companies.

Filipche also warned about environmental and public-health consequences, noting that a concession for geological exploration in the so-called "East" region covers 27 municipalities and includes the Kožuf mountain area. He said SDSM’s stance reflects concerns raised by residents in the affected municipalities, including farmers.

VMRO-DPMNE responded that mining is a sector that can deliver stable, long-term economic growth and accused SDSM of politically motivated opposition. The party argued the government is pursuing economic development and higher living standards, dismissing the criticism as attempts to obstruct those plans.

Local activists, including the association "Zdrava kotlina," urged citizens to unite against the opening of new mines. At a public hearing in Strumica, they warned that the draft Spatial Plan paves the way for reclassifying land to G1 heavy-industry use, which could harm agricultural land and the environment. Public consultations began in Strumica and are scheduled to continue at eight additional locations around the country.

Photo: arhiva