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Water 💧

Water Woes and Constitutional Standoff Dominate National Agenda

North Macedonia is grappling with a severe water crisis in Gostivar, where a water ban remains in effect. The Public Enterprise for Roads accused Gostivar Municipality of failing to pay for water pipe infrastructure, hindering efforts to restore full service. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski addressed the issue, expecting an announcement soon regarding the water's suitability for technical use, while residents are reportedly considering lawsuits for human rights violations related to the poisoning incident.

Adding to the domestic concerns, Prime Minister Mickoski firmly stated that there would be no constitutional changes under pressure from Bulgaria, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of national principles. This comes as the country also deals with rising West Nile virus infections and an impending increase in central heating costs for Skopje residents.

Beyond these major issues, other domestic news includes incidents of alleged bribery for exams, a severe injury from a fall from a moving car, and a hand grenade thrown into a Kumanovo yard that fortunately did not detonate. There was also a political development with Murtezi resigning from all party positions within the VLEN coalition, a move co-chairman Izet Mexhiti was reportedly unaware of. The Directorate for Protection of Cultural Heritage denied a permit for metal grates on the Makedonium monument, while the Municipality of Veles initiated a positive step to restore its National Museum's status.

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Gostivar Grapples with Ongoing Water Crisis and Legal Ramifications

Gostivar continues to face a critical water situation, with a ban on water use still in place following an earlier poisoning incident. The Public Enterprise for Roads alleges that the Gostivar Municipality's failure to pay 16,588 denars for water network infrastructure is preventing the issuance of a permit for a water supply line. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expects an announcement regarding the water's suitability for technical purposes, while affected residents are exploring legal…

Prime Minister Rejects Constitutional Changes Under Bulgarian Pressure

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, leader of VMRO-DPMNE, has unequivocally stated that North Macedonia will not agree to constitutional changes dictated by Bulgarian pressure or 'bullying'. He emphasized that principles are not to be selectively applied and that while past government agreements are acknowledged, discussions will continue to seek a sustainable solution, including addressing human rights agreements with Bulgaria.

Cultural Heritage and Institutional Status Debates

The Directorate for Protection of Cultural Heritage has refused to issue a permit for the installation of metal grates on the Makedonium monument, prompting an inspection of the site. Meanwhile, the Council of the Municipality of Veles has unanimously moved to restore the Veles National Museum's status as a national institution, aiming to enhance its cultural and institutional standing.

Miscellaneous Domestic Incidents and Political Resignation

Several other domestic stories include an alleged bribery for an exam reportedly transferred through a bank account, a 21-year-old from Shtip sustaining severe injuries after falling from a moving car, and a hand grenade thrown into a residential yard in Kumanovo that fortunately did not detonate. In political news, Murtezi has resigned from his party positions within the VLEN coalition, a decision that co-chairman Izet Mexhiti, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment…

Public Health and Rising Utility Costs

North Macedonia is seeing an increase in West Nile virus infections, with eight cases reported by the Institute of Public Health, prompting advice on symptoms and mosquito bite protection. Concurrently, residents in Skopje face an impending financial impact as central heating costs are set to rise starting August 1st.

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