Levica MP Rexhep Ismail alleges that Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski avoided answering parliamentary questions regarding the Kochani tragedy, leaving several institutional action dilemmas unresolved.

Ismail claims that at the last parliamentary questions session, Prime Minister Mickoski failed to address why he defended the mayor of Kochani at his first press conference after the tragedy, suggesting a government cover-up. He also questioned why the Prime Minister’s “crisis headquarters” was not formed in accordance with the law and why Mickoski released written documents that potentially threatened and compromised the investigation. Ismail further inquired whether Mickoski acted intentionally or negligently and if he was offering mutual benefit by previously requesting the dismissal of the Public Prosecutor and now expressing no issues with them.

Regarding Minister Toshkovski, Ismail asked why none of the current directors and heads of institutions responsible for the incident in Kochani are suspected or included in the investigation. He also questioned whether some Ministry of Interior managers in the region are party activists affiliated with Minister Toshkovski’s VMRO DPMNE. Furthermore, Ismail questioned why the Ministry of Interior did not stop the event at the “Puls” cabaret, considering it was not reported to authorities, police observed minors consuming alcohol after midnight, and there was a significant discrepancy between tickets sold and attendees. Ismail also questioned whether the cabaret was renovated shortly after the change of chiefs in July 2024 and opened in November without a license, despite police conducting actions at the now-illegal venue.

Ismail notes that the Minister of Interior only answered that he felt moral responsibility, but that it does not prevent him from not resigning.