North Macedonia political tension over KLA verdict and minister allegations

In North Macedonia, political tensions have escalated following two distinct developments. Speaker of the Assembly Afrim Gashi defended his personal stance regarding the Hague Tribunal's verdict against former KLA leaders, Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. Gashi asserted his right to express opinions as both a citizen and a politician, despite his official role, while the opposition SDSM criticized the remarks as inappropriate for a state seeking EU membership.

Simultaneously, the SDSM party has leveled serious allegations against Energy Minister Sanya Bozhinovska. The party refuses to retract claims that Bozhinovska held executive roles at Rudnap Group between 2011 and 2014, a company linked to Vojin Lazarevic. SDSM further connects her professional history to a recent 13.2 million euro contract between EVN and the Serbian company Meter&Control for electricity meters. Bozhinovska has denied any business or private relationship with Rudnap for over 12 years and has demanded an apology from the SDSM.