Fines and removal of tents/Merchants of the Macedonian market in Korça in protest

2026-05-19 14:03:00, Aktualitet CNA

Tension and dissatisfaction in the Macedonian market in the city of Korça. Traders who have been operating in this area for years say they have once again faced inspections and fines from the authorities, this time for setting up tents and displaying goods outside of their store premises.

They say the measures are economically unsustainable and that they are risking the closure of their businesses. According to the traders, the problem is related to the requirement to remove existing tents and install new structures according to a specific project. They claim that they do not have the financial means to cover the costs, while the fines imposed reach up to 50 thousand lek.

One of the merchants, outraged, says he was fined at a time when he was physically unable to remove his tent, due to health problems and bad weather.

" Look what they're doing! He saw the tent, came and put the fine in... Now they took it down, people, it's a shame, they're getting a fifty thousand lek fine. Where can I find it? I'm on medication... They're coming in line now, fines here, fines there. It was rainy weather, I couldn't take the tent down, I'm sick. Today the ustai came to take it down and they came and put the fine on me. It's a shame ," said a merchant.

Traders indicate that this situation has been going on for years and that demands have been constantly changing, creating uncertainty for their activity.

" We've been talking about the same thing for 10 years. Remove the metal sheets, we removed them. Put up tents, we put them up ourselves. Now they want red tents with an architect's project. We told them we can't afford to pay an architect. If the municipality wants to, let them put them up themselves. Today they're imposing fines for nothing. They removed the tents, they took the fines ," said a trader.

Another trader says she has been penalized for advertising goods, while demanding that institutions provide a final solution for the market.

" I received a fine of 50 thousand lek. They said it wasn't for the tent, but for advertising the goods. Three police officers came. I told them not to charge me so much, but they charged me anyway. I won't take down the tent. If they want, let them close the market completely and let us go home. I've been here for 24 years ," said another.

Traders are seeking dialogue with local institutions and a solution that, according to them, will not further burden the economy of families who have been living for decades from activity in the Macedonian market of Korça.