North Macedonia — FrontPages.eu

Nation Marks 35 Years of Independence Amid Court Delays and Skopje Shootings

Get European news in your inbox daily

A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.

Choose individual countries instead (or as well)

North Macedonia is marking its 35th anniversary of independence with widespread celebrations, including a concert in Skopje and the unveiling of historical documents from the 1991 referendum. This festive atmosphere is coupled with significant domestic news, including a fatal shooting incident in Skopje that left one dead and two injured.

Legal proceedings are also in the spotlight, as a court session concerning former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi was postponed because a defendant claimed not to understand Macedonian. Meanwhile, five prosecutors have put forward their candidacies to lead the Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and Corruption, with elections scheduled for October 28.

In other news, an earthquake was felt in the Ohrid region, and a nationwide genetic count of brown bears has begun. The country is also contending with the aftermath of a recent storm that caused agricultural damage and a high number of active fires reported across the country.

Top stories

Independence Day Celebrations and Historical Commemoration

North Macedonia is celebrating 35 years of independence with various events, including a concert in Skopje. The State Archive has also unveiled original voting ballots and other documents from the 1991 independence referendum, offering a look into the nation's pivotal historical moment.

Crime and Legal Developments

A shooting incident in Skopje resulted in one death and two injuries. Separately, a court session for former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi was postponed when a defendant, Bashkim Avdi, stated he did not understand Macedonian. The trial for a 9.7 million euro embezzlement case at the State Lottery was also delayed over a request for the indictment in Albanian. In other legal news, five prosecutors have announced their candidacies for the head of the Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized…

Environmental Issues and Natural Events

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter scale was felt in Ohrid and Struga. The country is also facing challenges from agricultural damage caused by a recent storm and has registered 42 fires in the past 24 hours, with five remaining active. In a positive environmental development, North Macedonia has begun its first-ever genetic count of the brown bear population.

Local and Urban Issues

A special traffic regime has been implemented in Skopje. Additionally, the 'Penko' school has made a decision regarding the admission of students from the Cair neighborhood, though it does not apply to all.