VMRO-DPMNE is demanding that Parliament immediately resume its oversight hearing about Alta Bank. The ruling party wants the session to continue as early as tomorrow to counter claims made by the opposition. Bojan Stojanovski of VMRO-DPMNE stated that the opposition is avoiding the truth and refusing to face facts.
Macedonian soprano Ana Durlovski is promoting an upcoming concert titled Zavet. The performance is scheduled for December 6th at the Jane Sandanski Sports Center in Skopje. Durlovski believes high-quality performances are necessary to touch the hearts of the audience.
The Assembly started its 130th plenary session. The body approved an expedited procedure for two draft laws proposed by the Government. These include amendments to the law on construction and the law on fisheries and aquaculture. Nikoloski stated that the changes to construction laws will accelerate the development of infrastructure.
Minister of Interior Pance Toskovski stated that Iva Mihajlova was not captured by security cameras during her flight from Kocani to Bulgaria. Investigations show no official records of her entering or leaving the country at Macedonian border crossings. These details were shared during an interview with Sitel TV.
A member of Parliament and the Executive Committee of VMRO-DPMNE, Dragana Bojkovska, discussed a draft Criminal Code submitted to the European Commission. The proposal introduces a new criminal offense for spreading inaccurate information that jeopardizes the stability of the banking system. This specific crime carries a prison sentence.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told Sitel TV that, despite a sharp rise in European energy prices, his government is working to keep consumer rates as low as possible. He said the authorities have taken steps to avoid any sudden spikes in bills. Mickoski added that the situation has been handled effectively up to now. He does not anticipate drastic price increases in the near term.
Prime Minister Mickoski announced that some investors are planning to leave Serbia following recent elections. One of these investors intends to relocate their operations to Macedonia. The Prime Minister noted that several factors are driving these departures from Serbia. These reasons include the reduction or total removal of certain incentives.
The national central bank has filed criminal complaints against three senior members of the Social Democratic Party of Macedonia. The individuals named are the party’s president, Venko Filipche, its general secretary, Aleksandar Sasha Dimitrijevic, and former Centar mayor Andrej Zhernovski, who now serves as the party’s secretary for international cooperation. Prosecutors received the charges through the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The allegations are linked to the ongoing investigation of Alta Bank. Authorities indicated the case concerns alleged wrongdoing involving the bank’s operations.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski claimed in a Sitel TV interview that the opposition SDSM party was aware of who Davor Macura was. He presented documents showing the SDSM-led government decided to start a business relationship with the Serbian Alta Bank in 2023. Mickoski stated that this evidence shows hypocrisy on the part of the opposition party.
Colombelles held a commemoration for the 108th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. The ceremony opened with the national anthems of France and Macedonia. Mayor Marc Pottier invited representatives from two Macedonian-French associations to attend. These groups include Ilinden 1903 and Forgotten Macedonians.
Clients and depositors of Alta Bank Bitola can now use mobile and electronic banking again. This restoration of services allows them to access their funds and meet financial obligations. The Governor of the Central Bank, Trajko Slaveski, announced the update. He also mentioned that availability is expanding.
The Government requested an urgent opinion from the Venice Commission about a language clause in the judicial examination. This request aims to get an independent international expert assessment. The government wants to ensure the proposed model aligns with the Constitution and European standards. It also needs to meet international legal instruments.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met with Maya Sivagnanam, the new United Kingdom Ambassador to Macedonia. The two discussed bilateral cooperation and strategic partnerships. Mickoski shared details of the meeting and the messages exchanged via his Facebook profile.
Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski received complaints from various public figures and officials regarding fines issued by the Safe City system. These individuals included directors, ministers, and religious leaders. Toshkovski views these complaints as proof that the system is functioning correctly. He stated that no one can avoid sanctions based on their professional position.
Two multi-vehicle accidents occurred on the Trakia motorway in Bulgaria near the Zimnitsa junction. The Ministry of Health reported 11 total fatalities. Thick fog contributed to the crashes, which involved dozens of trucks and cars. Initial reports had suggested there were 12 deaths.
Mickoski attended the opening of a new production facility for the company ASP-PAK DOOEL in Ohrid. This investment is described as a significant contribution to the local and national economy. The expansion confirms that Macedonia has the potential to host leading companies.
The Austrian Ambassador to Macedonia stated that a disputed protocol with Bulgaria is not part of the EU Negotiating Framework. The document was signed in July 2022. Bulgaria may face criticism from other EU member states if it uses this protocol as a condition for the country's European integration. The ambassador believes the protocol should not block the path to integration.
Depositors at Alta Bank Bitola are continuing to receive their funds. This process specifically applies to those with payment accounts who do not have payment cards. Payouts are now available at bank counters in Bitola, Tetovo, and Strumica. Individuals can withdraw up to 20,000 denars.
Dimce Arsovski has been appointed as the new director of the Youth Cultural Center. The previous director, musician Arben Shaqiri, stepped down from the role. Shaqiri announced his resignation on Facebook, stating that personal reasons led to the decision. He will now work in the office of the Mayor of Skopje, Orce Gjorgjievski.
The Energy Regulatory Commission decided to lower the prices of gas products. Prices will decrease by an average of 7.51 percent compared to rates from November 2. Under these new rules, Eurosuper BS-95 and BS-98 gasoline will cost seven denars less per liter.
Activist groups held a protest in Skopje after a 17-year-old girl named Biljana Kiric died in a murder-suicide in Bogdanci. Participants stated they are demanding accountability rather than sympathy. They called for the dismissal of certain officials and concrete sanctions regarding institutional failures. Protesters also urged for urgent legislative amendments to protect people against violence.
VMRO claims that SDSM is attempting to create doubt regarding the stability of the banking sector. They described the problem with Alta Bank as an imported issue. VMRO argued that SDSM lacks credibility and does not understand the mandates of institutions. They linked this behavior to a mindset previously used by Zaev.
Mobile and electronic banking services have returned to Alta Bank Bitola, but they offer limited functions. Users can currently monitor and check their account balances. Other banking services are not available. Individual depositors can withdraw 15,000 denars per week. Companies are currently blocked from managing their funds.
The Macedonian national handball team lost 29‑24 to Greece in an away match in Chalkida. The game was part of the second round of the qualifying group. Macedonia struggled in the first half, allowing Greece to build a 16‑9 lead at halftime. Early in the second half Greece increased its advantage. The Macedonian side could not recover enough to overturn the deficit. The match report appeared on Republika English.
The Ministry of Health is working to bring drug control regulations in line with European standards. This process is part of the Reform Agenda. Minister of Health Sasho Klekovski stated that the goal is to align domestic legislation. A new National Drug Strategy for 2024 to 2027 is also being prepared.
Macedonia's Minister of Digital Transformation, Stefan Andonovski, says the European Commission has found that the country has made 'good progress' in the field of digital transformation. The comment refers to the commission's latest assessments of the country's performance. According to Andonovski, reforms aimed at the greater digitalization of public services will continue. The remarks were published in a post by Republika English.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced a meeting focused on the Reform Agenda. The session involved reviewing current activities and the progress of planned reforms. Mickoski shared these details via a Facebook post. The discussion centered on priorities and the specific timeline for implementing these reforms.
The ZNAM Movement stated it will only accept judicial exams administered in Macedonian. Party leader Maksim Dimitrievski announced the party is prepared to leave the governing coalition if the government allows other languages. This position specifically opposes the use of Albanian for the exams. Dimitrievski mentioned that Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski is aware of this stance.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Antonio Miloshoski spoke about the judicial system on a news program on Alsat TV. He identified the Supreme Court as a major actor in the system. He mentioned specific cases of high public interest. According to a statement from VMRO-DPMNE, he believes the court is hindering efforts to fight corruption.
Governor Trajko Slaveski has not provided concrete help to companies with accounts at Alta Bank AD Bitola. Despite a press conference, businesses still lack answers on how to pay employees and settle obligations. Their funds remain held at the bank while planned measures fail to materialize.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the government's position on requested constitutional amendments remains unchanged. He expressed hope that dialogue with Bulgaria will eventually be successful. He noted that certain anti-state policies have impacted the process.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski shared data from the State Statistical Office regarding September trade. Exports are increasing at a rate of 22 to 23 percent. Imports are growing at a slower rate of 8 to 9 percent. This gap represents the largest recorded difference between the two in favor of exports.
The VMRO-DPMNE party accused the SDSM of deliberately stoking hysteria and spreading panic. They claim these actions harm the state and its citizens. VMRO states that government institutions are taking all necessary measures to protect citizen funds and interests while the other party attempts to sabotage these efforts.
Banking services may experience temporary interruptions and restrictions this upcoming weekend. The Macedonian Banking Association stated these disruptions will happen on November 7 and 8. Banks are performing technical adjustments to their systems. These updates implement new standards for domestic payment transactions using the denar. The new standards will take effect on Monday, November 9.
EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas presented a progress report on enlargement to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Rokas stated that Macedonia has made progress compared to last year. Improvements were noted in science, research, education, and digital transformation. The report identifies the country as a front runner in the Reform Plan.
Alta Bank Bitola provided cash payments to 556 pensioners. These individuals hold bank accounts but do not have payment cards. The distributions were handled at the bank branch in Bitola. The number of transactions exceeded the original estimate of 400. The process was described as smooth. Some retirees had been notified to visit via SMS.
EU ambassador Michalis Rokas addressed questions regarding pressure placed on journalists and media outlets by SDSM. He confirmed he is aware of the situation in Macedonia. The ambassador stated that media freedom is an important part of the country's European integration process. He noted that more work needs to be done in this area.
Macedonia's goods exports grew by 10.8 percent between January and September 2026. Total exports reached 6.62 billion euros during this timeframe. Imports also increased, rising 7.9 percent to a total of 9.18 billion euros. This data was provided by the State Statistical Office.
Surgeons from a Macedonian university clinic are working with United States scientists on a new project. They are developing specialized glasses with integrated cameras to find cancerous changes and lymph nodes. These markers are invisible to the naked eye. The technology aims to make the removal of tumor tissue more precise. This should result in surgeries that are less invasive.
A European Union progress report indicates that Macedonia has made advancements in several areas. The country is working on a Growth Plan for the Western Balkans involving four main pillars. These include fundamental reforms and increased financial support. It is also pursuing regional economic integration and gradual integration into the EU Single Market. However, the report notes that Macedonia still has not met the demands set by Bulgaria.
The Democratic Party won the U.S. midterm elections. They will hold the majority in both chambers of the U.S. Congress beginning in January. The elections produced historic results. Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black female governor of Georgia, and Chris Pappas became the first openly gay person elected to his position.
The Committee on Financing and Budget voted unanimously on Monday to hold an oversight hearing about Alta Bank. The request specified that the hearing should happen as soon as possible. A coordination meeting of parliamentary groups was convened today. The SDSM appears to be hesitating on proceeding with the session.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating a homicide and suicide in Bogdanci. Authorities found two bodies at the Icheva Fountain site. One victim was a 21-year-old man from Bogdanci discovered near a burnt-out car. The other victim was a 17-year-old girl.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski spoke at a panel in Dusseldorf regarding resilience. He argued that Macedonia has been excluded from the EU for too long because of artificial issues. Mickoski stated that joining the EU should mean adding values. He asserted that membership does not require changing national identity.
The Gerresheimer company plans to make a new investment in Macedonia. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced the news from Dusseldorf. The company intends to increase its current workforce from 300 to 500 people. Mickoski stated that three new production facilities could open in December. These facilities would employ more than 1,000 people in well-paid positions.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova argues that the European Union needs to show political will to unblock the country's integration process. She believes the EU should offer concrete solutions instead of continuing to demand constitutional amendments. Speaking at the Enlargement Summit in Brussels, the President stated that the country is ready to negotiate. She wants clear information regarding the conditions necessary for the process to move forward.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski visited Germany for a meeting with Hendrik Wust. Wust is the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia. The two officials focused their discussions on economic cooperation between Macedonia and Germany. They also looked for ways to attract new investments. Nikoloski shared these details in a post on social media.
Governor Trajko Slaveski clarified his previous remarks regarding the collapse of Alta Bank in Serbia. He addressed the role of the media in that failure during a television appearance on Telma TV. This clarification follows the bank's expansion into Macedonia through the takeover of Stopanska Bank Bitola. Slaveski explained his views on the possible reasons for the bank's downfall in Serbia.
Party leader Ali Ahmeti increased his nationalist rhetoric following the local elections in Brvenica. This change occurred after DUI candidate Arkin Yahiyi won the second round of the election. Ahmeti used the victory celebration to speak about the role of Albanians in Macedonia. He also commented on the political relations within the country.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and his government team held business meetings during a visit to Germany. They met with representatives from Deutsche Telekom in Bonn. Discussions focused on potential investments in Macedonia. These investments may expand beyond telecommunications into healthcare, smart technology, and other industries.
