In Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, thousands gathered late Monday night to protest and call for heightened accountability in the wake of a devastating nightclub fire that resulted in 59 deaths and numerous injuries. The march took its course past key government buildings and parliament, with demonstrators showing their appreciation for the medical personnel at a nearby hospital who responded swiftly to the calamity.
The tragic incident occurred on March 16 in Kocani, a town located to the east, where a fire erupted inside a club during a pyrotechnics display at a live concert. Officials highlighted that the club was operating without fundamental fire safety protocols.
Milena Janevska, who helped organize the protest, voiced the public’s sentiment, stating, “We want to continue living in North Macedonia, but we need to feel safe. We expect those responsible for the tragedy in Kocani to be held accountable.”
These demonstrations underscore the increasing dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the disaster. The opposition party, the Social Democrats, have demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, a conservative, acknowledged the public’s discontent but accused his opponents of exploiting the tragedy as “political vultures” aiming to destabilize the government.
A corruption investigation concerning the fire has already seen 13 individuals arrested, including a former finance minister and several high-ranking police officers. The investigation is also delving into allegations of bribery and whether the nightclub’s permits were fraudulently obtained.
Health Minister Arben Taravari reported that there are still 115 injured individuals receiving medical care abroad.
The outcry has resonated not only within North Macedonia but also in neighboring Greece, where protests have taken place. Over the weekend, many citizens from North Macedonia held a silent demonstration in the central square of Thessaloniki, a northern Greek city close to the border. They stood in silence for an hour, some holding black balloons and signs, including one that read, “Their Profits, Our Lives.” The demonstration saw the participation of locals as well.
Currently, twelve survivors of the disaster are being treated in Greek hospitals, both civilian and military. Most suffer from severe burns and lung injuries caused by smoke inhalation. Five of these patients are hospitalized in Thessaloniki.