Protesters march in Skopje demanding action on air pollution

Skopje, December 29, 2024 – Thousands of protesters in Skopje took to the streets on Saturday, urging the government to tackle the city’s growing air pollution problem. This marked the second demonstration in December, with residents demanding cleaner air and better environmental policies.

The protest, organized by the "Human Green City" initiative, started outside the Ministry of Environment and Planning, continuing through the city’s streets to City Hall. The crowd carried signs reading "Clean Air Now" and "Our Air is Poison – Our Government is Deaf," echoing the frustration felt by many locals over the lack of government action on pollution.

“We’re still waiting for a response,” said Borjan Jovanovski, a representative of the initiative. Two weeks have passed since the first protest, during which organizers submitted a set of demands to the authorities. But so far, there has been no official response, leaving citizens increasingly disillusioned with the government’s approach.

The protestors’ demands include continuous public monitoring of industrial facilities to ensure transparency on emissions, the use of ecological heating in public buildings, prioritization of public transport and bicycles over cars, and better waste management practices.

Air quality in Skopje, which regularly ranks as one of the most polluted cities in Europe, is a growing concern. According to recent figures, nearly 18% of all deaths in North Macedonia are linked to air pollution. In particular, the number of premature deaths caused by exposure to harmful particles such as PM2.5 is a significant concern for public health officials.

In response to the rising pollution levels, the government has introduced a new initiative aimed at reducing emissions. Set to launch in 2025, the project involves the use of 100 electric vehicles in three districts of Skopje: Aerodrom, Čair, and Gazi Baba. The vehicles will be available for use by government institutions, companies, and citizens through a mobile app, though environmental groups have criticized the plan for potentially increasing the number of vehicles on the roads.

Environmental organizations, such as "Initiative O2," are pushing for more aggressive measures, including the installation of air filters in public spaces, restrictions on the use of polluting fuels, and better regulation of traffic. They argue that without broader changes, Skopje’s pollution levels will remain a public health threat.

Air pollution in other cities across North Macedonia, including Bitola, Tetovo, and Ohrid, has also reached hazardous levels. Recent data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that the country’s air pollution contributes to over 5,000 premature deaths annually.