Macedonina Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski said that opposition SDSM leader Filipche “has no right to act as a public health activist”, because, as he stated, while he was minister he did not react to reports of unsafe water.
“Venko Filipche is trying to present himself as the greatest protector of public health, but while he was minister of health, institutions reported numerous cases of unsafe water, and Filipche as minister did nothing,” said Manasievski.
The defense minister pointed out that the Ministry of Health received reports of unsafe water in several municipalities, including Studenichani, Zelenikovo, Petrovec and Krushevo, as well as parts of Skopje.
“These are documents that reached the Ministry of Health, and Venko Filipche did not inform the citizens. In addition to the presence of the Escherichia coli bacteria, there is also an increased number of coliform bacteria, just like in Gostivar. But the citizens did not know this and no one informed them,” noted Manasievski.
According to the defense minister, there were also findings from the Prilep Public Health Center from 2018 and 2019, which stated that the water was not suitable for drinking.
Manasievski claimed that there were similar cases in Skopje.
At the end of the press conference, the minister urged the competent institutions to solve the case and determine whether there were any omissions.
“Instead of giving lessons today and spreading political accusations, Filipche should first give an answer to the citizens why he did not act on the reports of the institutions while he was at the head of the Ministry of Health. We expect the competent authorities to fully solve the case and determine whether there were any omissions, and we expect accountability,” added Manasievski.
