Rexhep Ismail, a Member of Parliament from Levica, has accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Minister of Internal Affairs Panche Toshkovski of avoiding answering questions from MPs concerning the tragedy in Kochani.

In a statement published on his Facebook profile, Ismail claims that during the recent parliamentary question session in the Assembly, the two officials left several unresolved issues regarding institutional actions.

Ismail outlined specific questions that he alleges Prime Minister Mickoski did not address: why the Prime Minister defended the mayor of Kochani at the first press conference following the tragedy, suggesting a government cover-up; why the Prime Minister’s “crisis headquarters” was not formed according to the law; why Mickoski released written documents at the initial press conference that potentially jeopardized the investigation; whether these actions were intentional or negligent; and whether Mickoski’s current stance on the Public Prosecutor, after previously seeking their dismissal, implies a mutual benefit arrangement.

Regarding Minister Toshkovski, Ismail questioned why no current directors and heads of institutions with responsibility and authority related to the Kochani incident are considered suspects in the investigation; whether some Ministry of Interior managers in the region are members of Minister Toshkovski’s party, VMRO DPMNE; and why the Ministry of Interior did not stop the event at the “Puls” cabaret, despite apparent violations such as the event not being reported, the presence of minors after midnight, the serving of alcohol to minors, and a significant discrepancy between tickets sold and attendees. He also inquired about the timing of renovations to the building and its opening without a license, despite police actions occurring at the cabaret.

Ismail noted that the Minister of Interior only answered one question, expressing a sense of moral responsibility, but without offering his resignation.