The government of North Macedonia has decided to declare a seven-day mourning period nationwide, following the tragedy in the city of Kočani, where a fire at the nightclub “Pulse” caused the death of at least 59 people and injured over 150 others.

In today’s extraordinary meeting, which began with a minute of silence for the victims, the government announced that all individuals involved in this tragic event, who contributed to endangering human lives, will bear legal responsibility. Arrest warrants have been issued for four people, and one individual has already been detained.

Additionally, the State Market Inspectorate has been ordered to conduct extraordinary inspections within the next three days in all night service establishments (cabarets, nightclubs, discos, and open-air discos) across the entire territory of the Republic of North Macedonia, to verify whether they operate according to standards and in compliance with state laws and regulations.

Furthermore, the government has activated the mechanism for seeking international assistance, while neighboring countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Ukraine, have offered aid.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova have expressed their condolences and commitment to supporting the affected families.

The government calls on all institutions and citizens to respect the mourning period and to avoid politicizing this tragedy so that competent authorities can fully and promptly investigate the event.

In these extremely difficult and sorrowful moments for the entire people of North Macedonia, we express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.