The target of an arson attack was a car used by the first deputy prime minister of North Macedonia, Artan Grubi, which was parked on a street in the area where he lives, in the Čire district of Skopje, local media reported.

It all happened at around 03:30 in the morning, when the perpetrators managed, without being noticed, to throw flammable material on the luxury Audi car used by Artan Grubi and set it on fire.

Police are investigating the incident.

According to Skopje media, the car is not owned by Artan Grubi, but is used by him.

Artan Grubi himself announced that the car that was attacked belongs to a friend of his, but he admitted that the attack was directed against him.

“I am in politics to serve and leave a legacy with work and projects, not to terrorize my family, neighbors and friends. I consider the constant threats and attacks on my face as cowardly and treacherous. However, I declare that I have no intention of stopping my work and working to fulfill the expectations of the citizens,” said Artan Grubi, in a post on social media.

Artan Grubi politically comes from the largest Albanian party of North Macedonia, DUI and is considered the “right hand” of the leader of this party, Ali Ahmeti. In recent months, a section of DUI officials and MPs have continuously accused Grubi of internal party intrigues and of trying to discredit experienced and capable party officials. These DUI officials have been asking Ali Ahmadi to remove Artan Grubi from the party organs and from the position of the first deputy prime minister. However, Ali Ahmadi recently moved to clear the DUI executives challenging Artan Grubi. DUI members and officials who were expelled from the party announced a few days ago that they will proceed with the formation of a new political movement.