Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the Public Prosecution Office is leading the investigation into the accident in Kočani and determines who is included. He emphasized that 68 individuals are currently involved, including current officials.

Responding to questions from an MP, Mickoski criticized the opposition’s stance, accusing them of exploiting a national tragedy for political gain. He defended the government’s role, clarifying that it is the prosecution, not the government, that decides who is detained.

Mickoski highlighted a key difference between the current investigation and past cases, such as the modular hospital fire, the Laškarcë bus accident and the Besa Trans scandal. He pointed out that in those previous cases, despite the loss of 75 lives, no one was included in the investigation, while the Kočani investigation involves a significant number of people. He stressed that if the prosecutor deems it necessary to detain high-ranking officials from the current government, that action will be taken.

He further added that one current government member is already in detention, a situation he contrasted with the previous administration, where he claimed such actions were “an impossible mission.” He noted that current mayors are also in detention.

Mickoski concluded by affirming that past incidents, including the modular hospital fire, the Laškarcë bus accident and the Besa Trans scandal, would not be overlooked.