AJM Calls for Measured and Professional Communication with Journalists

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) is monitoring the public reaction following the communication between the Minister of Interior Panče Toškovski and journalist Frosina Fakova Serafinović from the media outlet Sloboden Pechat, during yesterday’s press conference, which was also reported by other media.

The reaction refers to the public statement made by Minister Toškovski to colleague Fakova instead of answering the question she posed, in which he said: “Why don’t you send me messages at 12:30 after midnight, you send them to me at one.”

According to AJM, such examples serve as a reminder that communication between public officials and journalists should be careful, measured, and conducted at a level that strengthens public trust.

It is important to emphasize that journalists have a legitimate right to ask questions on issues of public interest, while holders of public office have the responsibility to respond in a manner that contributes to transparency, mutual respect, and dignified public communication.

AJM reminds that a professional attitude toward journalists is an important prerequisite for the uninterrupted flow of information to the public, particularly when it comes to issues related to security, institutional accountability, and the rule of law.

In this regard, we encourage all public office holders, including Minister Toškovski, to contribute to constructive communication with journalists in the future, without personal remarks and without statements that could be interpreted as offensive.