Macedonia Agriculture Minister Calls for Probe of €800,000 Grant Misuse

Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Minister Cvetan Tripunovski said a full clarification is needed for the distribution of more than €800,000 in grant money, citing serious indications and evidence of abuse. He said the funds were allocated by bypassing the Payment Agency’s system.

Tripunovski told Alpha TV that, as a functionary after a change of government, he must act on whistle‑blower information and has asked the public prosecutor to open proceedings. He noted that former minister Ljupcho Nikolovski had created a commission that handed out the money without proper controls, involving a former party insider. Tripunovski urged institutions to investigate and hold those responsible accountable, stressing the need to restore legal frameworks for grant distribution.