Skopje, 24 October 2024 (MIA) – The Municipality of Strumica is leaving the Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) and the mayor of Skopje’s Karposh municipality is expected to follow suit, according to some media reports.

Writing on Facebook about his municipality quitting ZELS, Strumica Mayor Kostadin Kostadinov said he will soon send an official letter.

“ZELS doesn’t deserve Strumica’s participation fee. We’re leaving ZELS with full responsibility, attempts to cooperate, partnership, it’s enough. Philosophy without any pragmatism, the damage is paid by the citizens!  This is one of the biggest scandals in Europe for violation of human rights, for constitutional rights and liberties,” Kostadinov said noting there will be no compromise for Strumica. 

Earlier, also in a Facebook post, Kostadinov insisted that drinking water in the municipality in the eastern part of the country is safe, saying that the agriculture minister is pressuring Public Health Institute inspectors and staff members into not revealing results. 

“The fight against Strumica continues. They waited, calculated and today from media reports we learned they are not giving us water certificate. I insist with full responsibility, which will be backed by the results expected to be revealed tomorrow [Thursday], water is safe. You decided to play with politics on the shoulders of the people. Someone will pay dearly for this fascist operation against Strumica,” Kostadinov wrote on Facebook saying the truth will come out soon.  

MIA file photo