Hundreds of Macedonians marched in Skopje on Tuesday evening, protesting against air pollution and accusing the government of neglecting the issue of polluted air, which continues to pose a significant threat to public health.
The protesters began their march from the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of North Macedonia, holding banners with slogans such as: “In Skopje, buildings and vehicles thrive, only we, the people, suffocate” and “Parties, do you breathe clean air?” They proceeded to the Parliament before ending their march in front of the Government building.
In recent months, Skopje has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, according to the global air quality company IQAir.
The protest was organized by the “Green Human City” initiative and several other NGOs, emphasizing the rising number of deaths related to air pollution, which they claim accounts for 17.7% of total deaths in the country.
“Every year, nearly 4,000 deaths in North Macedonia are caused by exposure to PM2.5 particles,” stated the “Green Human City” group.
“They often say that there is no magic solution to air pollution. But we know there is a magic wand—it’s the budget, which exceeds 6 billion euros. Billions are spent, but nothing for the air. Why? Because the budget is allocated elsewhere,” declared Jane Dimeski from “Opportunities for the Center.”
The protesters also pointed out that it has been 14 years since the first air pollution monitoring station was set up on ‘Macedonia’ street in Skopje, yet the problem remains unchanged.
“Governments and politicians change, but the polluted air remains the same,” said one citizen.
They presented several demands, including that the government compel the Directorate for Hydrometeorological Affairs of North Macedonia (DPHM) to start forecasting temperature inversions in the valleys.
Additionally, they called for a significant number of schools and kindergartens, particularly in the capital and other municipalities, to switch to eco-friendly heating systems, replacing the currently used oil and mazut.
As a result, during the winter months, not only Skopje but other cities such as Bitola, Tetovo, Gostivar, Kicevo, and Ohrid also experience high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
From a health perspective, in early 2024, the Institute for Public Health released a report titled “Air Pollution in the Republic of North Macedonia and Health Risks,” which stated that nearly 18% of the total mortality in the country can be attributed to exposure to current PM2.5 particle concentrations.
Recent data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that air pollution is responsible for over 5,000 premature deaths in North Macedonia.
