Mickoski announces corruption probes amid LSDM opposition claims

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has announced that the government is monitoring several corruption cases and is encouraging citizens to report systemic corruption. He stated that a new project will be launched in collaboration with Transparency International, including an open hotline for reporting, to address public distrust in institutions.

In response, the opposition party LSDM has issued sharp criticisms, accusing the Mickoski administration and VMRO-DPMNE of using state institutions for political gain. LSDM challenged the Prime Minister’s economic claims, specifically his assertion that pensions have increased ‘16 times’ more than during the previous LSDM administration. The opposition argues that these statistics do not reflect the daily reality of citizens facing high prices and low wages.

LSDM also raised allegations regarding the misuse of 5.5 million euros from the State Lottery to fund independence day celebrations and concerts. The opposition claims these funds are being diverted from essential services like agriculture and pensions to serve as political promotion tools.