Concert in North Macedonia turns into tragedy 

A nightclub fire tragedy left North Macedonia in grief. A concert by the popular hip-hop group DNA, which was supposed to become a celebration in the small town of Kočani, turned into a true tragedy. A fire, sparked by fireworks at the "Pulse" nightclub during the concert on the night of March 16, claimed the lives of 59 young people. More than 150 were injured. 

It turned out that the nightclub was operating with an illegally issued license document. The venue had only one emergency exit, which was locked during the concert.

After the tragic incident, several countries extended a helping hand and admitted the injured to their hospitals, including Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkiye, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia and others. Hundreds of people in North Macedonia took to the streets, demanding justice and punishment for those responsible.

On March 20, thousands gathered for the funerals of the people who died in Kočani. Five of the musicians were buried in Skopje. The group's lead vocalist, Andrej Djorgjeski, died while returning to the burning nightclub to save fans. Backing vocalist Sara Projkovska left two orphaned children. People also paid their respects to the memory of ambulance driver Ile Gocevski, who died of a heart attack after a 32-hour shift, during which he tirelessly transported victims to hospitals. He was posthumously awarded for his heroism.

Turkiye arrests Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu

Arrest warrants were issued for over 100 people in Turkiye, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The operation began a day after Istanbul University annulled İmamoğlu's diploma, reported BTA. The mayor's home was searched, and he was detained on charges of corruption, supporting the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), reported the newspaper Hürriyet. The operation took place just days before the internal elections of the Republican People's Party (CHP) to determine its presidential candidate. İmamoğlu, a member of this party, was considered the most likely candidate and the main opponent to President Erdoğan.

The next presidential elections in Turkiye are scheduled for May 2028. In recent months, CHP and other opposition parties have called for early presidential elections, saying that the government is unable to address the country’s economic problems and high inflation.

In Istanbul and Ankara, tens of thousands took to the streets in protest against the mayor’s arrest, despite the authorities' ban on demonstrations.

Eleven candidates to run for President of Romania

Eleven candidates will run for President of Romania in the upcoming presidential elections, reported the national news agency of Romania, Agerpres. Four candidates are independent, while seven are nominated by political parties. Initially, there were 26 candidates, but some, including the winner of the annulled 2024 elections, Calin Georgescu, were rejected by the Central Electoral Bureau and the Constitutional Court.

The candidates with the best chances, according to surveys, are Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan (independent), former Senate President Crin Antonescu (candidate of Romania Forward Alliance), former Prime Minister Victor Ponta (independent), Elena Lasconi (Save Romania Union) and George Simion (The Alliance for the Union of Romanians).

After the first round of elections on November 24, 2024, the far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, accused of pro-Russian positions, was supposed to face Elena Lasconi in the second round. However, the Constitutional Court annulled the results due to suspicions of Russian interference.

The official campaign will begin on April 4. The elections are scheduled for May 4. If no candidate wins an absolute majority, a run-off will be held on May 18.

Kosovo, Albania and Croatia sign military alliance agreement

Kosovo, Albania and Croatia signed in Tirana a trilateral declaration on defence cooperation, BTA reports. The document was signed by Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu and his counterparts from Croatia and Kosovo, Ivan Anušić and Ejup Maqedonci. According to the stated intentions, the aim is to strengthen the defense capabilities of the three countries, increase cooperation in the defense industry, improve military interoperability through education, training and joint exercises, and enhance military interaction in the region.

The document has sparked a strong reaction in Serbia. "It is particularly concerning that this military alliance is being formed without consultations with Belgrade, directly involving a structure that lacks international legitimacy and represents a security threat to the Serbian people and the entire region", reads a statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

Compiled by Miglena Ivanova