SDSM MP Mile Taleski questioned Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski about the Ministry’s responsibility for the Kochani tragedy, where 59 people died and over 200 were injured, citing numerous omissions and demanding a non-selective investigation.

Taleski highlighted critical unanswered questions regarding security system failures, responsibility for the fire, and authorization of the event with a large crowd, including minors. He emphasized the Ministry’s crucial role in citizen safety, public gathering security, and prevention of high-consequence events.

Taleski pointed out that control mechanisms under the Ministry’s jurisdiction displayed alarming oversights before and during the event by the Bureau of Public Security, the Kochani Police Department, and the Shtip Police Department.

He cited specific failures, including the lack of an official security plan, failure to conduct a risk assessment, lack of action to stop the event despite police presence, and failure to prevent the unlicensed club from operating.

Taleski asserted that the Ministry of Interior’s inaction on multiple fronts directly contributed to the tragedy.

He concluded by directly asking Minister Toshkovski who would be held accountable for these institutional and systemic failures within the Ministry of Interior on the day of the accident.