Filipçe calls for a referendum on mines near residential areas

The leader of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (LSDM), Venko Filipçe, said at a press conference today that citizens should have the opportunity to decide through a referendum whether they accept the construction of mines near their homes. His reaction came after Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced plans to build mines and exploit mineral resources.

Filipçe said that national resources cannot be considered the prime minister’s private property, stressing that the will of the citizens must be taken into account on such issues.

“Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski is announcing the sale of the country. I heard him yesterday; he said that we are rich in ores and that he hopes to attract investors to build mines here. I want to tell him clearly and loudly that he must not sell the national treasures. First and foremost, citizens must be consulted about the mines,” Filipçe said.

According to him, residents should make a direct decision on the opening of mines near the areas where they live, especially at a time when water quality and safety are facing serious problems.

“Residents of the relevant areas should express their views in a referendum on whether they support or oppose the construction of mines near their settlements. Now that we have a case of water contamination, now that, after so many months and with five thousand people poisoned in Gostivar after drinking water contaminated with fecal matter, we still do not have data on whether the water is clean on paper. Let us see whether, at a time when several sites are being opened every day in the Strumica region where the water is unsafe, there is an additional risk of contamination by extremely toxic substances such as antimony, and who would guarantee the safety of this process. Who will ensure that antimony is not found in the water tomorrow if such mines are opened without consulting the citizens?” Filipçe said.

He stressed that the government must not exploit the country’s national resources as a solution to its economic problems and failures./Telegrafi/