Venko Filipche, the president of SDSM, has accused VMRO-DPMNE of attempting to bring Macedonia back to a time of fear, blackmail, and pressure. This statement was made at a gathering in Konče in support of SDSM mayoral candidate, Blagoj Iliev.

Filipche strongly criticized the alleged pressure on citizens during the campaign, asserting that VMRO-DPMNE is using institutions to intimidate the population. He claimed that the party is using various entities, including the police and social services, to pressure citizens and evoke memories of a time when people lived in fear and blackmail.

He urged citizens to vote for Blagoj Iliev, emphasizing that SDSM mayors have delivered on their promises, completing 90 to 100 percent of their pledged programs. Filipche contrasted this with municipalities led by VMRO-DPMNE, where he claimed program completion rates are significantly lower. He stated that citizens can recognize the difference when municipalities are led by individuals dedicated to working honestly in the interest of everyone.