The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) is demanding accountability for the tragedy in Kocani, criticizing what it perceives as a selective investigation and protection of officials from VMRO-DPMNE. The party insists that the investigation must extend to current officials who held positions on the day of the tragic event.

SDSM is questioning the exclusion of several key individuals from the investigation. Specifically, they are asking why the chief of OVR Kocani, Marija Cvetkovska Manevska, the head of the criminal police in Kocani, Tomo Donev, and the head of SIA Stip, Sasho Tasev, are not being investigated. The party suggests this may be an intentional effort to protect staff appointed by Toshkovski.

The party argues that on March 16, 2025, the day of the fire, officials, chiefs, and heads of various positions in SIA Stip and OVR Kocani had a direct responsibility to prevent the tragedy, yet failed to do so. SDSM asserts that seven commanders, chiefs, and deputy commanders of the police had clear legal competencies regarding the safety of the space, the presence of minors, and the use of pyrotechnics. According to SDSM, police officers were present at the scene, observed minors and pyrotechnics, and did not intervene, which could have prevented the tragedy and saved lives.

SDSM is calling for Toshkovski’s resignation and an expansion of the investigation to include current officials who were in positions on the day of the tragedy. The party emphasizes that the investigation should not be a political operation to cover up and protect VMRO-DPMNE staff. SDSM vows to continue fighting for a complete and fair investigation without protection for current officials, emphasizing that there must be responsibility and justice for Kocani.