Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski clarified that the recent 35th independence anniversary celebrations incurred no costs for citizens or the state budget, with expenses covered by socially responsible companies. This statement addresses public speculation and ongoing political debate regarding the funding of the events.

SDK.mk: Mickoski: Independence Celebration Costs Were Zero, Companies Paid, Freud…

Mickoski stated that the costs for the 35th anniversary of Macedonia's independence were zero, but did not disclose which companies paid, accusing 'curious individuals' of working with Freud.

Plusinfo: Independence Celebrations Cost Citizens and Budget Zero Denars; Socially…

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that socially responsible companies covered the costs for performers during Macedonia's 35th independence anniversary celebrations, countering speculation about public spending.

ALSAT: Mickoski: No Budget Funds for Independence Music Events; Parties Clash Over…

Opposition leader Mickoski states that no budget funds will be allocated for independence music events, while political parties engage in a dispute over societal issues.

The director of Shutka prison, Boban Utkovski, has resigned following controversy. Separately, Perparim Bajrami, the former director of the State Lottery, has surrendered to authorities after being sought with an international arrest warrant in connection with embezzlement and abuse of official position. Investigations also continue into a murder case, with questions surrounding how the suspect was released from prison.

ALSAT: Shutka Prison Director Resigns Amidst Controversy

Following news reported by Alsat, the director of Shutka prison, Boban Utkovski, has resigned, with Perparim Bajrami also ending up in Shutka and having 8 days to appeal.

ALSAT: Murder Investigation Continues, Suspect's Release from Prison a Mystery

Investigations into the murder of a 26-year-old man are ongoing, with questions remaining about how the suspect was released from prison.

ALSAT: Perparim Bajrami Surrenders

Ish-drejtori i “Lotarisë Shtetërore”, i dyshuar për përvetësim dhe keqpërdorim të pozitës zyrtare, mëngjesin e sotëm u është dorëzuar organeve të ndjekjes, pasi ishte në arrati, raportojnë mediat.

Plusinfo: Former Lottery Director Perparim Bajrami Arrested, Surrenders Himself This…

Former State Lottery Director Perparim Bajrami, who was unavailable to law enforcement for more than a year, surrendered this morning and has been released from custody.

Law enforcement has made a significant drug seizure in Skopje, discovering 100 kilograms of cocaine. In other public safety news, 21 individuals were arrested for careless driving, and a three-year prison sentence was handed down to an individual, along with a €25,000 fine for a company, regarding the collapse of a Workers' University building in Veles.

ALSAT: 21 Arrested in 24 Hours for Careless Driving

Over the last 24 hours, 21 individuals have been arrested for driving carelessly, indicating a focus on traffic safety enforcement.

Plusinfo: In Sight of Roses, 100 Kilograms of Cocaine Discovered in Skopje

A significant discovery of 100 kilograms of cocaine was made in Skopje.

SDK.mk: Three Years Jail for Individual, 25,000 Euro Fine for Company in Veles…

A physical person has been sentenced to three years in prison and a legal entity fined 25,000 Euros for the collapse of the Workers' University building in Veles.

A debate has arisen concerning the singing of the national anthem in Gazi Baba schools, with the VLEN coalition and the Alliance for Albanians (ASH) expressing divergent views on the matter and the principle of symbol equality in educational institutions.

ALSAT: Debate Over National Anthem in Gazi Baba Schools

VLEN expresses no stance on the singing of the national anthem in Gazi Baba schools, while promising equality for symbols in elections. ASH opposes the anthem in schools, noting the council's decision was made in 2023.