Protests Erupt in Skopje Over Air Pollution

Thousands of protesters in North Macedonia rallied on December 10, 2024, demanding urgent action to combat severe air pollution, particularly in the capital, Skopje, where air quality is among the worst in Europe. Wearing gas masks, demonstrators highlighted the alarming health crisis attributed to pollution, which results in approximately 3,500 premature deaths annually. The protests were sparked by a recent spike in pollution levels during winter, primarily due to households burning wood, tires, and plastics for heating. Activist Gorjan Jovanovski criticized the government for decades of inaction, referring to city residents as 'ecological migrants' fleeing toxic air. Protesters called for stricter regulations on traffic and industrial emissions, supported by data indicating pollution levels often exceed World Health Organization limits by over four times. The demonstrations were organized by environmental groups, including Green Human City, emphasizing the need for immediate governmental intervention.