Arachinovo machines vandalized and burned; mayor Daut Beqiri vows stadium will be built

Municipality officials in Arachinovo reported that construction machines working on the new stadium — whose cornerstone was laid last week (week of September 21–27, 2026) — were vandalized and set on fire late on the night of September 29, 2026. The report was published on October 1, 2026 at 11:02.

Mayor Daut Beqiri condemned the attack and called on law enforcement to clarify the incident. He said the authorities are investigating and vowed the project will continue despite the sabotage.

"Law enforcement agencies are investigating the case and we demand that the case be clarified as soon as possible and those responsible brought to justice. But one thing must be clear: NO ONE WILL STOP US. Work will continue. The project will be completed. Shkëndija's stadium will be built," wrote Beqiri.

The local coalition also issued a statement framing the incident as an attack on development and investment in Arachinovo. Their message stressed that residents have long awaited concrete results and that attempts to turn progress into fear will not succeed.

"What happened at the construction site of Shkëndija's stadium is not just damage to a few machines. It is an attempt to attack a project that symbolizes development, investment and a better future for Arachinovo. For decades, the citizens of Arachinovo have waited for promises to turn into concrete deeds. Today, when that is happening, when machines are on site and the stadium begins to take shape, someone is trying to turn development into fear and an obstacle," the coalition said.

Authorities in Arachinovo said they will continue work on the project while the investigation proceeds. No arrests or official suspects were reported at the time of publication.

Photo: press material from the event