Skopje, 12 August 2026 (MIA) - The water in Skopje is safe for drinking and there is no Escherichia coli or other bacteria, said Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski on Wednesday.

"There is no such thing, the water in Skopje is among the top five in Europe. I am not a monster to endanger the lives of my fellow citizens," Mayor Gjorgjievski told a press conference and urged citizens to stay calm.

He said disinformation has been spread at social media with the aim to create hysteria.

"I received reports yesterday that certain centers would attempt to spread panic in the City of Skopje by claiming there is bacteria in the water. This started a few days ago, with reports of a certain landfill that is 30 kilometers away from the Rashche springs could contaminate the water. This landfill is currently cleaned up but it was there for 30 years back. And when some opposition circles did not succeed in this, now the alleged bacteria appear," said Gjorgjievski.

The Skopje Mayor drank a glass of tap water during the press conference in order to show the citizens that the water is safe for drinking.

Gjorgjievski said political profiteering from certain structures could be behind the reports.

"For the first time in a decade, Skopje has no problem with water supply and pressure, even amid this extremely hot summer. That is why lies and disinformation is spread, aimed at causing panic among the public. This is an organized attack by SDSM and their satellite party equalling a terrorist attack," said Gjorgjievski and added that all those who spread the reports would be held responsible.

He noted that services are carrying out continued analyses that show the Skopje water is safe for drinking.

Photo: MIA