The SDSM MP group will block the adoption of the new draft-national spatial plan that includes the opening of new mines, said SDSM party leader VenkoFilipche on Thursday and urged for the plan, which is to be presented at a public debate in Strumica, to be withdrawn.
“I want to send them a message: Macedonia is not for sale. We will not risk the health of citizens for the sake of others’ profits. I want to state clearly and loudly right here: back off and withdraw this plan,” Filipche stressed.
The leader of the main opposition party pointed out that the new spatial plan envisages the opening of five new mines, at the Ilovica-Shtuka, Kazandol, Plavica, Kadiica, and Luke sites, and accused the Government of placing national wealth at the service of foreign financial interests.
“At these five locations, HristijanMickoski’s Government plans to sell off the land; it plans to sell Macedonia to foreign companies for foreign profits,” Filipche said.
The SDSM leader warned of the risks these mines could pose to citizens’ health, as well as to the soil and water. Additionally, he pointed out that the concession for geological exploration in the ‘East’ region covers an area comprising 27 municipalities, including Mount Kozhuv.