Environmental activists from the civic initiative “Stop për Usjen,” joined by concerned citizens, held a protest today front the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. The demonstration demanded that the renewal of the integrated A license for the “Usje” Cement Factory adhere to current European environmental standards. Participants, who have previously organized demonstrations concerning local air pollution levels, emphasized that public health must be prioritized over economic considerations.
Protesters carried signs bearing slogans such as “No to a new license according to old rules,” “Health before profit,” and “Skopje for the people, not for industry.”
The formal request for the license renewal was posted on the Ministry’s website on May 22 and subsequently submitted to both the Municipality of Kisella Voda and the Municipality of Skopje. The activists’ action at the ministry underscores ongoing community concern regarding the environmental impact of the cement factory. By staging the protest at the front of the government building, the citizens aimed to pressure authorities into adopting stricter environmental regulations before granting any renewed operational permits.
Their stated objective remains ensuring that industrial development does not compromise the air quality and well-being of the local population.
Topics: #protest #front #ministry
