NORTH MACEDONIA: THOUSANDS DEMAND JUSTICE AFTER DEADLY NIGHTCLUB FIRE

SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA • Thousands of protestors in North Macedonia have taken to the streets, demanding justice after a nightclub fire in Kočani claimed 59 lives and injured dozens more. Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with a corruption probe into the blaze, which authorities say was exacerbated by numerous safety and licensing violations.

Skopje, North Macedonia, March 25, 2025 – 11:28 AM CET – Thousands of protestors in North Macedonia have once again demonstrated, demanding justice for the nightclub fire that killed 59 people and injured over 150.

Protestors marched past government offices and parliament in the capital, Skopje, late on Monday evening, applauding medical staff at a nearby hospital for their response to the tragedy. Some protestors held a banner that read, "The system is next."

Kočani Fire Details and Corruption Investigation

The fire, which broke out in the eastern city of Kočani on March 16, occurred during the use of fireworks inside the Pulse nightclub. Authorities later found multiple safety and licensing violations at the venue.

"We want to continue living (in North Macedonia), but we need to feel safe," said Milena Janevska, a protest organizer. "We expect all those responsible for the Kočani tragedy to be held accountable."

The corruption investigation into the fire has led to 13 arrests, including a former finance minister and seven high-ranking police officers. Authorities are investigating allegations of corruption and whether the nightclub illegally obtained its operating permits. State Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski stated last week that the fire was caused by a "chain of omissions and illegal actions by officials."

Authorities in the small Balkan nation of approximately two million people announced last week that they had closed dozens of nightclubs and entertainment venues following the Kočani fire. Government spokeswoman Marija Miteva stated that out of 50 venues inspected in various cities, only 22 had valid licenses.

Protests Over the Kočani Fire

The protests reflect growing public frustration with the government's handling of the disaster. The opposition Social Democrats have called for the resignation of Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski, a member of the ruling nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party.

Conservative Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski acknowledged public anger but dismissed his opponents as "political vultures" attempting to destabilize the government. Protests have taken place across the country and in neighboring Greece.

Over the weekend, dozens of people stood in silence for an hour in the central square of the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki. Participants in the silent vigil held black balloons and signs, one of which read "Their profits, our lives."

Twelve fire survivors are currently hospitalized in Greek civilian and military hospitals, many with severe burns and lung damage from smoke inhalation. North Macedonia's Ministry of Health stated that 115 injured victims of the fire are still receiving treatment abroad in countries such as Belgium, Hungary, Lithuania, and Spain.

Last week, the right-wing coalition government declared a seven-day period of national mourning in honor of the deceased.