The Row Over Mickoski's "Dregs" Comment Continues Days After the Independence Celebration
SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE keep arguing over exactly who the PM meant by the word he used for the country's "dregs."
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski's remarks about "dregs" that must not be allowed to become the "elite," delivered at the main event marking 35 years of independence, are still fuelling political argument days later.
In the speech, Mickoski said a state where "dregs" become the elite is a state the real elite leaves, and called for that to change. At the same event he also appealed for national unity, saying "let us not be divided."
SDSM, in several statements over the past week, argues that by "dregs" Mickoski actually means anyone who opposes the government, supports EU integration, democracy, free speech or a better standard of living. The party accuses the prime minister of owning expensive watches and suits, saying that is his real "elite."
The ruling party rejects the accusations as political manipulation, with Mickoski again pointing to economic figures — real GDP growth of 4.3 percent in the second quarter of this year, among the best in Europe, following 3.5 percent in the same period last year.
Although the dispute traces back to the 8 September speech, it keeps resurfacing in public debate, including on social media, where both sides use it as shorthand for the country's wider political divide.
MKNews Hub · Politics · September 14, 2026